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What you didn’t know about Godefroid Niyombare, the man behind Burundi attempted coup

Burundi's General Godefroid Niyombare who has launched a coup against President Pierre Nkurunziza

Burundi General Godefroid Niyombare, who announced the overthrow of the president Wednesday, is a former member of a feared rebel army, powerful spy chief, diplomat and respected army officer.

An ex-chief of staff of the army and one-time ambassador to Kenya, Niyombare has a reputation for professionalism and integrity, commanding respect among rank and file soldiers in the new Burundi that emerged after the end of a brutal civil war in 2006.

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