Burundi's president urges investigation over attacks on radio stations

Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza on Wednesday urged investigations over attacks on radio stations during a failed coup plot staged last week against his government.

"Investigations on destroyed radio stations are underway and we call for an acceleration of investigations to identify perpetrators of attacks against the radio stations," said Nkurunziza in a message to the nation.

According to Nkurunziza, "tough sanctions" will be given to people who will be found responsible for attacks on radio stations.

One of the radios close to the ruling party, Rema FM, was attacked and destroyed on May 13. Four radio stations close to the opposition were attacked on May 14.

On May 14, the coup plotters attempted in vain to capture Burundi National Radio and Television (RTNB) and they decided to surrender after failing to capture RTNB.

Most mutineers have been captured, but failed coup leader Major General Godefroid Niyombare has not yet been arrested.

Nkurunziza also urged international media working in Burundi to "abstain from encouraging the insurrectional movement."

"International and local media are invited to avoid encouraging the insurrectional movement, hatred and mistrust during this electoral period," said Nkurunziza.

He urged international media and correspondents to make a "positive" reporting on Burundi.Nkurunziza indicated that all the country's 119 communes are safe except four neighborhoods in the capital Bujumbura, where a "small group" of demonstrators has been disrupting citizens' activities.

Nkurunziza indicated that those neighborhoods include Musaga, Nyakabiga, Ngagara and Cibitoke.

He indicated that calm areas represent at least 99.9 percent of the country's total area. Endi