Amid presidency protests, Burundi defense chief says army will not break constitution - Business Insider
Burundi's defense minister on Saturday said that no one could force the army to violate the constitution or the peace deal that ended a 12-year civil war, and called for politicians to respect both documents.
Burundi has been rocked by protests against President Pierre Nkurunziza's plan to seek a third term, a move opponents and the United States say violates the Arusha peace deal. The president's supporters say the constitution does not bar him from running.
In carefully worded comments at a news conference, Defense Minister Major General Pontien Gaciyubwenge said: "There is no individual who will direct the army to go against the Arusha deal and the country's constitution.”
Burundi's defense minister on Saturday said that no one could force the army to violate the constitution or the peace deal that ended a 12-year civil war, and called for politicians to respect both documents.
Burundi has been rocked by protests against President Pierre Nkurunziza's plan to seek a third term, a move opponents and the United States say violates the Arusha peace deal. The president's supporters say the constitution does not bar him from running.
In carefully worded comments at a news conference, Defense Minister Major General Pontien Gaciyubwenge said: "There is no individual who will direct the army to go against the Arusha deal and the country's constitution.”