Nigerian students under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students has warned South African President, Jacob Zuma, not to come to Nigeria for the inauguration of President-elect Buhari following what they described as his poor handling of the xenophobic attacks on some Africans including Nigerians in his country in April.

According to the student body, the failure of the South African President to apologize to Nigerians after the attacks is distasteful. The students expressed their anger in a statement signed by its President, Tijani Usman.

The statement in part reads

“We wish to advise the South African President (Jacob Zuma) to rather stay at home and address burning issues, rather than embarking on a visit that is the least desirable. The South African President’s failure to apologise to Nigeria for the losses the country and our citizens incurred during the xenophobic attacks on foreigners leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. There is therefore, no point felicitating with a people who clearly do not matter much to you. President Zuma’s visit will only amount to pretence.”

Burundi army general declares coup against the country's president

According to reports, Burundi's army general Godefroid Niyombare (left) has announced a coup against President Nkurunziza (right). Says he no longer recognizes Pierre Nkurunziza as President following massive protest and unrest over his bid to be re-elected for a third term.

According to the army chief, the army is working with civil society groups, religious leaders and politicians to form a transitional government. He told reporters at a military barracks that the president had violated the constitution by seeking a third term.


In a radio broadcast, Niyombare said;

“Regarding President Nkurunziza’s arrogance and defiance of the international community, which advised him to respect the constitution and Arusha peace agreement, the committee for the establishment of the national concord decide President Nkurunziza is dismissed, his government is dismissed too.

The masses have decided to take into their own hands the destiny of the nation to remedy this unconstitutional environment into which Burundi has been plunged.

"The masses vigorously and tenaciously reject President Nkurunziza's third-term mandate President Pierre Nkurunziza has been relieved of his duties. The government is overthrown." he said.

In a swift reaction, the office of the president has rubbished the general's declaration, calling it “a joke”. The president is in Tanzania at an African summit to discuss the crisis in his country

After the army general made the announcement, crowds who had earlier been out on the streets of the capital protesting against the president began cheering and celebrating his dismissal.