Bujumbura: A top Burundi official says that five generals have been arrested for plotting a failed coup attempt against President Pierre Nkurunziza.
Presidential spokesman Gervais Abayeho said today that three army generals and two police generals were arrested Friday. He said three lower-ranking officers and eight soldiers were also arrested.
The coup attempt came as Nkurunziza's bid for a third term in office has triggered turmoil in this central African nation.
After weeks of street protests against Nkurunziza's efforts to stay in power, a general announced the coup on Wednesday. Nkurunziza was in Tanzania attending an emergency regional summit to discuss Burundi's crisis when the attempted coup started but soldiers loyal to the president stopped the rebellion.
Officials said yesterday that Nkurunziza had returned to the capital though he hasn't been seen in public.
