A coup attempt has failed in Burundi, President Pierre Nkurunziza said Friday as the government announced dozens of arrests, dpa reported. In an address to the nation, Nkurunziza accused the coup plotters of trying to "destroy democratically elected institutions" and called for an immediate stop to weeks-long protests against his bid to seek a third term in June 26 elections. Public Security Minister Gabriel Nizigama said security forces had arrested dozens of mutineers. They included a high-ranking official at the Defence Ministry, another at the Public Security Ministry and a police chief, the minister told the national broadcaster. The detainees did not include coup leader Godefroy Niyombare. Nizigama said those involved in the coup attempt who were still hiding should surrender. Niyombare earlier admitted defeat, Radio France Internationale reported. Anti-government forces failed on Thursday to take control of the national broadcaster. Twelve mutineers were killed, 13 were injured and a number surrendered, according to the army. It said four government soldiers were injured. Niyombare launched the coup on Wednesday while Nkurunziza was attending a regional summit in Tanzania. The coup attempt followed weeks of massive protests that claimed more than 20 lives. Nkurunziza was unable to return to Bujumbura on Wednesday after Niyombare closed Bujumbura's international airport and frontiers. The president entered the country from Tanzania by road on Thursday, according to Burundi National Radio, and arrived in Bujumbura Friday with hundreds of supporters cheering his vehicle. Nkurunziza hinted in his speech that the protests were linked to the coup plot.
