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Burundi's President issues warning about al Shabaab militants

Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza has made his first public appearance since an attempted coup last week failed to oust him and appeared to blame Islamist militants from Somalia for the unrest.

Tens of thousands of people have fled the African nation after weeks of rioting against the president's decision to stand for a third term, leaving at least 20 people dead.

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Three generals arrested over failed Burundi president coup

A police general and two army generals have been arrested in Burundi for their part in a failed coup to overthrow the country's president.

It follows weeks of protests over the presidential announcement Credit: Reuters

While the leader of the coup, Major General Godefroid Niyombare, remains on the run, government forces have gained control of capital city Bujumbura back from rebels who supported the ousting of President Pierre Nkurunziza.

The attempt to seize power came after weeks of rioting and violent protests sparked by Nkurunziza's announcement that he intended to run for a third term, which many saw as violating the country's constitution limiting presidents to two terms.

Protests have turned violent Credit: Reuters

His supporters, backed by the country's court, said his first term was exempt from the rule as he was chosen by law-makers, rather than voted in in an election.

But critics have questioned the court's impartiality in making that decision.

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