Burundi coup: President Nkurunziza 'flying to Uganda' as Bujumbura airport is closed

A Burundese privately owned radio station has claimed President Pierre Nkurunziza, on his way back to Burundi from Tanzania, is actually flying to Uganda as he cannot land in his country.

The claim was made by Radio Bonesha, according to a report by the BBC.

IBTimes UK contacted the Uganda government, which said it could not confirm whether Nkurunziza is heading to Uganda.

Journalists in Burundi said the airport in the capital Bujumbura, where the protest is ongoing, has been closed down and the lights are out.

Reporters also said protesters are heading to the airport to stop the president's aeroplane landing as requested by the army, which declared a coup on 13 May.

Other media have alleged Nkurunziza's flight was aborted and he will spend the night in Tanzania.

The coup was announced following weeks of violence erupted in the country after the president said he will seek a third term in the June election. At least 20 people have been killed in the protests as reports of police firing on protesters emerged.

Protesters accused Nkurunziza of violating the constitution and the Arusha Peace Agreement, which says the president can only stay in power for two terms.

Nkurunziza had flown to Tanzania to attend an East African Community (EAC's) meeting on the ongoing unrest, but it was later called off.