In Burundi, speculation is still rife regarding who President Évariste Ndayishimiye was alluding to when he warned that “strong people” in his government were plotting a coup. Mr. Ndayishimiye, a retired army commander, warned last week at a ruling party meeting in the economic hub Bujumbura that he “would destroy” any plan against him.
There was no official announcement in response to his remarks, and it is unclear which of the high-ranking people he was referring to. Burundians online have speculated to fill the information void, even naming the people they believe the president was referring to.
The effects
Burundi’s parliament accepted the appointment of a new prime minister on Wednesday, after President Evariste Ndayishimiye warned of a possible coup plan last week.
Bunyoni’s resignation occurred after President Ndayishimiye, in office for just over two years, warned last week of a coup plan against him. After a unanimous vote in parliament, Security Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca replaced Alain Guillaume Bunyoni as prime minister.
What you should know
Mr. Ndayishimiye took over as president in 2020 after his predecessor, Pierre Nkurunziza, died in office after 15 years in power.
Burundi has experienced four successful coups, several failed coups, and one presidential assassination since independence in 1962. A botched coup attempted in 2015 sparked violent turmoil in the country.