Burundi 'plotter' claims torture

Alain Mugabarabona says he was told to implicate ex-President Domitien Ndayizeye (l)

The Burundian man at the centre of an alleged coup plot has withdrawn his claims, saying they were extracted under torture by the security services.

Alain Mugabarabona told local radio stations by phone from his prison cell that he was threatened with death if he did not implicate key figures.

He said the idea of a coup plot was an invention of intelligence agents.

Former President Domitien Ndayizeye was arrested on Monday in connection with the alleged coup plot.

"This coup story has been invented by the Documentation Nationale," said Mr Mugabarabona , referring to Burundi's powerful presidential police and intelligence service.

"Everything I accused former President Domitien Ndayizeye, former Vice-President Alphonse-Marie Kadege and the others of was extorted by torture and threats," said the official of the rebel National Liberation Forces (FNL).

This is the only rebel group which remains outside a peace process intended to end 13 years of ethnic conflict between Hutus and Tutsis.

Mr Ndayizeye, a Hutu, was leader under a power-sharing agreement before stepping down last August after elections.

He was succeeded by Hutu former rebel leader Pierre Nkurunziza.