Heavy gunfire heard in Burundi capital near the national TV and Radio between presidential loyalists and supporters of a coup bid. The situation in Burundi remains unclear a day after an army general said that President Pierre Nkurunziza had been overthrown. The fighting follows weeks of protests against him, mainly in the capital, Bujumbura. Rival troops are battling for power, while the president is reportedly stuck in Tanzania.

The trouble began in April when it was announced that President Pierre Nkurunziza would run for a third term.

Protesters took to the streets saying the former rebel leader, who has been in power for nearly 10 years, was not entitled to do so.

They are unhappy that the constitutional court ruled that as Mr Nkurunziza was appointed by parliament in 2005 – and not directly elected – he can stand again.

Some army generals agree this flies in the face of the peace accord that ended a brutal 12-year civil war – and say they have relieved the president of his duties.

Who is in charge?

It is not clear. The coup bid announcement was made by Gen Godefroid Niyombare, one-time ally of the president. He was dismissed as intelligence chief in February after advising him against seeking a third term.

Gen Niyombare announced on radio that a committee, including five generals, was taking command and thousands took to the streets of the capital to celebrate. However, the presidency has repeatedly said its forces remains in control.