BURUNDI: 5 Generals Arrested For Plotting Failed Coup

Demonstrators opposed to President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid for a third term in office rebuild a barricade after it was dismantled by soldiers in the Nyakabiga neighborhood of Bujumbura, Burundi, Saturday, May 16, 2015. According to presidential spokesman, Gervais Abayeho, President Pierre Nkurunziza returned to the capital on Friday although he did not appear in public, and thanked his security forces for crushing an attempted military coup, while calling for an immediate halt to protests in Burundi.

BUJUMBURA, BURUNDI (AP) — A top Burundi official says that five generals have been arrested for plotting a failed coup attempt against President Pierre Nkurunziza.

Presidential spokesman Gervais Abayeho said Saturday that three army generals and two police generals were arrested Friday. He said three lower-ranking officers and eight soldiers were also arrested. The coup attempt came as Nkurunziza's bid for a third term in office has triggered turmoil in this central African nation. After weeks of street protests against Nkurunziza's efforts to stay in power, a general announced the coup on Wednesday. Nkurunziza was in Tanzania attending an emergency regional summit to discuss Burundi's crisis when the attempted coup started but soldiers loyal to the president stopped the rebellion.

Officials said Friday that Nkurunziza had returned to the capital though he hasn't been seen in public.