Police arrest Burundi's failed coup plotters

Three generals of the Burundian army and police who are masterminds in the failed coup plot against Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza were Friday morning arrested, the Burundian government has said.

"We got information according to which the mutineers were hiding in Kibenga neighborhood. We then arrested dozens of mutineers including masterminds of the failed coup at about 01:00 local time. They include three army and police generals who are among the coup plot masterminds," said Burundian Public Security Minister Gabriel Nizigama.

Nizigama indicated that the three generals include Major General Cyrille Ndayirukiye, the Permanent Secretary at the Defense Ministry and former Defense Minister, Police Commissioner Hemenegilde Nimenya and Police Commissioner Zenon Ndabaneze, senior officials at the Public Security Ministry.

The failed coup plot leader Major General Godefroid Niyombare has not however been arrested yet.

In a related story, Burundian Army Chief of Staff Major General Prime Niyongabo indicated that clashes between mutineers and government soldiers around Burundi National Radio and Television (RTNB) on Thursday afternoon left 12 mutineers killed.

Niyongabo added that at least 30 mutineers were injured while nine were captured.

He also indicated that an armored vehicle belonging to mutineers was burned during the fighting.

Niyongabo added that four government soldiers were slightly injured during the clashes. Endi