Ex-Burundi Military Officer Declares A Rebel Movement Has Been Formed To Oust President Nkurunziza

DW: New rebel group vows to overthrow Burundian president

A former senior officer in Burundi's army said that he and other army officers have formed a rebel movement known as the Republican Forces of Burundi to remove President Nkurunziza from power.

The new rebel group's main objective is to protect Burundians who are being killed because they are protesting the violation of the country's constitution by President Pierre Nkurunziza who extended his time in power, said Lieutenant Colonel Edouard Nshimirimana, who was in charge of military transmissions and communications before he defected in September.

The other objective of the new group is to protect the Arusha Agreement that limits Burundian presidents to two terms in office, said Nshimirimana. All forces against Nkurunziza are united under theRepublican Forces of Burundi, Nshimirimana said.

"We are calling on all Burundians who believe in the rule of law to join us," said Nshimirimana.

The rebel force was behind the recent attacks on three military camps, where they captured enough weapons to fight Burundi's army, said Nshimirimana.

WNU Editor: The government of Burundi's response has been predictable .... Burundi scoffs at rebels, telling new force it 'wont last long' (New Vision). Unfortunately .... my gut is telling me that a civil war is about to start.

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