Burundi president talks of regional security after coup bid

Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza on Sunday made his first public appearance in the capital here since a coup attempt was made during his absence from the country.

Nkurunziza spoke to media at the presidential palace in Bujumbura about regional security challenges, but made no comment on the political situation in the country, Xinhua reported.

He talked of the region's reaction to Somali terror group Al- Shabaab's threat to attack countries that contribute troops to the African Union force in Somalia, including Burundi.

A former intelligence chief on Wednesday announced deposing the president while he was in neighbouring Tanzania for a meeting. Government troops foiled the attempted coup after fierce fighting with the pro-coup forces in Bujumbura.

Nkurunziza on Friday evening called for citizens' contribution to the forthcoming elections and warned against troublemakers.

Street protests arose weeks ago as Nkurunziza decided to stand for another term in office in the coming elections.