No evidence of party involvement in coup attempt

Burundi’s justice minister, Therence Sinunguruza, on Tuesday said there was no evidence suggesting any party’s involvement in the recent coup attempt in the country. In an interview with Burundi radio, he said that due to the many “theories”, some more credible than others, the government decided to establish a national commission. The commission is chaired by a senior magistrate and composed of members drawn from various sectors so that “everybody may be reassured during the investigations that will take place, which have the objective of knowing the truth, nothing but the truth”. “I would also like to say that up to now, ongoing investigations have already ended in several arrests,” Sinunguruza said.

“Two civilians have already been arrested. I strongly emphasise that according to information I have, these people have been arrested on the basis of their individual behaviour, which has nothing to do with political parties,” he added. “Thus, taking into account the judicial inquiries carried out until now, I can say that it [involvement of political parties] is mere speculation. Everything shows that these people were arrested on a personal basis and their arrest has nothing to do with parties or any other organisation,” he said.