APA – Bujumbura (Burundi) – Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni, a former Burundian prime minister described as one of the most ‘sacred cows’ in the current regime has been arrested over an alleged coup plot.
Bunyoni was sacked in a high-level political purge coming as officials investigate what they called a plot to overthrow the government in Bujumbura.
A former police chief and minister of internal security, he was replaced by then Interior minister Gervais Ndirakobuca, days after President Evariste Ndayishimiye had warned of a “coup” plot against him.
Police and intelligence officers had searched three properties belonging to Bunyoni last Monday, but found no trace of him, according to security sources quoted in media reports.
Bunyoni had long been seen as de facto number two in the regime since a 2015 political crisis.
Before his arrest, Interior Affairs Minister Martin Niteretse told a press conference in Bujumbura earlier this week that Bunyoni was being sought after, but he did not know the reasons behind the operation.
“The General Prosecutor’s Office needed some inquiries from the former prime minister over some suspicious cases…he wasn’t found…we are waiting for their findings,” he said.
Bunyoni was sacked last September following President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s warning of a possible coup plot against him and blamed top government officials “who think they are untouchable”.
CU/as/APA