"No Coup Attempt in Burundi,” President Confirms

“No Coup Attempt in Burundi,” President Confirms

Reports of explosions, gunfire, and panic in the capital, Bujumbura, on the evening of March 31 circulated on social media, fueling rumors of a coup. However, official statements and several news sources indicate that it was an accident at a military facility and not a political coup. Three military facilities are located in the affected area, according to the same source. Around 6:00 p.m. local time (Central African Time), loud explosions and sustained gunfire were reported in neighborhoods of Bujumbura, particularly near Musaga. This triggered panic; some residents fled, and videos of explosions and chaos spread online. A munitions depot caught fire due to a short circuit, leading to secondary detonations of ammunition. This explains the loud explosions and gunfire. Some reports mentioned injuries, including prisoners in the central prison, but details remain limited. Several dozen people are reported to have died in the fire, according to media reports. The Burundian military and authorities immediately ruled out a coup and attributed the events to an accidental fire at an ammunition depot. President Évariste Ndayishimiye declared on social media that the situation was under control. Army spokesman Gaspard Baratuza confirmed this, stating that there was no security threat or mutiny. No ousted leaders, military coups, or factional infighting have been reported by credible sources. "I want to reassure you: The situation is under control," President Évariste Ndayishimiye stated on his social media channels. Authorities are urging the population to remain calm, and several embassies have advised their staff to avoid travel. Burundi is known for its political instability. A notable, failed coup attempt in 2015 against then-President Pierre Nkurunziza occurred amid protests against his third term. Previous warnings of planned attacks (e.g., for 2022) have also resurfaced, which can quickly lead to speculation during security incidents. Social media amplified unconfirmed claims of a "violent coup" or a "military invasion," often including old or inconsistent videos. These appear to have been refuted by reports from local media such as SOS Médias Burundi and international media on the ground. The situation is currently described as calm, with authorities emphasizing that they are in control. As with any current event in the region, information can change—so follow reliable sources such as AFP, Reuters, or local Burundian media to stay informed. According to the latest reports, no major international organizations (e.g., the African Union, the UN) have issued warnings of a coup.