Clashes between rival Burundian troops erupted after coup attempt

Heavy fighting over the control of affairs in Burundi between rival Burundian troops erupted in the capital on Thursday, the day after a top general launched a coup to oust the central African nation's President Pierre Nkurunziza.

According to reports, soldiers loyal to President Nkurunziza are in full control of the presidential palace, the national radio and TV stations, the airport and the centre of Bujumbura, Burundi's capital.

Media houses including radio and TV stations have been attacked and beaming signals stopped at the moment. The whereabouts of the President is still unknown as he has since left Tanzania where he went to brief members of the African Union on the crisis in his country regarding his third term bid when the coup was declared.

Meanwhile the African Union Peace & Security Council will convene an emergency meeting this afternoon to consider the situation in Burundi.