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1st LD: Burundi army general announces overthrow of president

Xinhua, May 13, 2015 Adjust font size:

Burundian former head of the National Intelligence General Major Godefroid Niyombare said Wednesday that President Pierre Nkurunziza has been dismissed, local radio stations reported.

A military coup led by Niyombare was carried out on Wednesday in Burundi at around 1:30 p.m local time.

Niyombare equally announced the dismissal of all government officials and suspension of Burundi's parliament.

While making the announcement on private radio stations, Niyombare urged permanent secretaries in various ministries to continue serving in the interim period and provincial governors to manage the situation in close collaboration with heads of military camps.

He promised that the Re-establishment Committee for National Harmony which he leads will meet with politicians and other national stakeholders to manage the current situation.

More soldiers have been deployed to guard the offices of the Burundi National Radio Television (RTNB). The downfall of Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza has not yet been announced on the airwaves of RTNB. Endi