Analysis: Burundi's struggle for peace

The Tutsi-dominated army have led a number of coups in the past

By the BBC's Kojo Bedu-Addo

The attempted coup in Burundi came as little surprise to many.

The government has been trying to end an eight-year long civil war between the Tutsi-dominated army and Hutu rebels.

But Tutsi hardliners are opposed to moves towards a power sharing agreement with Hutus.

Burundi has had a long history of coups, all led by soldiers from the Tutsi-dominated army.

The minority Tutsi population has controlled the government for all but four months of the country's history since independence from Belgium in 1962. They have traditionally also controlled the economy.

Supporting peace

This latest coup was by a group of junior soldiers calling themselves the National Youth Patriotic Front.

They made their move as President Buyoya was holding peace talks with rebels in Gabon.

They said they supported efforts to restore peace in Burundi but were unhappy with those who represented the country at peace talks which began in Arusha, Tanzania in 1998.

Mandela's role

The Arusha talks have been held under the chairmanship of former South African president Nelson Mandela.

They aim to produce a power-sharing government between the minority Tutsi government and Hutu communities in Burundi.

The attempt was made while President Buyoya was in Gabon

Hard-line Tutsis have opposed any power sharing agreements with Hutus following an agreement in August.

As part of efforts to bring the Hutu rebels on board, Mr Buyoya went to Gabon to meet one of the rebel factions to persuade them to join the peace process.

It may be that his efforts prompted hardliners in Burundi to move against him.