Burundian president makes first appearance after attempted coup

Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza speaks during a news conference in Bujumburi, Burundi, May 17, 2015.[Photo/Agencies]

BUJUMBURA -- Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza on Sunday made his first public appearance in the capital Bujumbura since an attempted coup started during his absence from the country.

Nkurunziza spoke to media at the presidential palace in Bujumbura about regional security challenges, but made no comments on the political situation in the country.

He talked of region's reaction to Somali terror group Al-Shabaab's threat to attack countries that contribute troops to the African Union force in Somalia, including Burundi.

A former intelligence chief on Wednesday announced deposing the president while he was in neighboring Tanzania for a meeting. Government troops foiled the attempted coup after fierce fighting with the pro-coup forces in Bujumbura.

Nkurunziza Friday evening called for citizens' contribution to the forthcoming elections and warned against troublemakers.

Street protests arose weeks ago as Nkurunziza decide to stand for another term in office in the coming elections.