PRESIDENT NKURUNZIZA OF BURUNDI SACKS MINISTERS INCLUDING DEFENCE CHIEF AFTER FAILED COUP

Burundi's president Pierre Nkurunziza has sacked three ministers, as protests resumed after last week's failed coup.

The president's spokesman denied that the dismissal of the defense, external relations and trade ministers was linked to the coup attempt.

Soldiers fired in the air to disperse protests against President Pierre Nkurunziza running for a third term in elections due next month.

Mr Nkurunziza returned from Tanzania last week after the unrest.

The sacked MPs' replacements have already been appointed, including Emmanuel Ntahomvukiye as defence minister.

The The Bloom Gist's Marie Ineza in Bujumbura says this will be the first time Burundi has a civilian in charge of the military.

Presidential spokesperson Gervais Abayeho told the media that Mr Nkurunziza has a constitutional right to reshuffle his cabinet whenever he feels it is necessary.

Soldiers fired live rounds into the air

However, our correspondent says the appointments may deepen the ongoing political crisis because the outgoing defence minister is a former soldier with huge following.

Earlier on Monday, soldiers fire live rounds in the as protesters chanted for President Nkurunziza to drop his plans to seek a third term in elections.

Some businesses were closed and activities stopped in the Nyakabiga, Musaga and Mutakura neighbourhoods of Bujumbura.

However, our correspondent says life carried on as normal in areas where the president is popular.
On Sunday, Kenya's president called his Burundian counterpart, urging him to delay the elections.

Several alleged leaders of the coup attempt have been arrested but Gen Godefroid Niyombare, who announced it in a radio broadcast, remains on the run.

President Nkurunziza made his first official appearance in front of international media since returning from Tanzania on Sunday.