Burundi President Denounces Coup Rumors Upon Return from International Diplomatic Engagements

Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye has vehemently condemned rumors of a coup plot against his government, which surfaced during his two-week absence for diplomatic engagements in Cuba and the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Just a week after President Ndayishimiye departed the country on September 10th, reports of an alleged coup attempt began circulating on various social media platforms. The origin of these rumors remains unclear.

Upon his return to the country on Sunday night, President Ndayishimiye addressed the nation, attributing the rumors to “individuals who have persistently sought to tarnish the reputation of Burundi.” He assured the citizens that despite Burundi’s tumultuous history, the nation remains steadfast and stable.

“Back in the day, we endured such challenges, but today our hearts are at ease, and you can rest assured that you’ll wake up and go about your daily routines,” President Ndayishimiye declared.

Before his return, the Burundian Ministry of Interior, through its social media channels, notably X (formerly Twitter), reassured the public that there were no imminent threats to the nation’s stability, stating that “no house is burning” and urging citizens to disregard the distracting rumors.

Burundi has experienced a history marked by both successful and unsuccessful coup attempts, making any such rumors a matter of serious concern. However, President Ndayishimiye’s swift denunciation of these reports and the Ministry of Interior’s reassurances aim to maintain calm and stability in the country following his return from international diplomatic missions