Burundi's ex-rebel leader warns of fresh unrest

The leader of Burundi's former rebel group on Thursday warned of a resumption of violence if the government recognises a splinter faction that claims to have ousted him.

The National Liberation Forces (FNL) became a political party and its fighters joined the national army in April after signing a peace deal. It was Burundi's last active rebel group.

An FNL faction said earlier this month that the group's leader Agathon Rwasa had been replaced after a party meeting.

"This group that claims to have organised an extraordinary FNL congress... wants to throw Burundi back to violence and insecurity," Rwasa told reporters in Bujumbura.

"If the authorities are aware of their role and responsibility they should not recognise what came out of this pseudo-congress, otherwise it will turn things for the worse."

The former rebels were given 33 government positions, with Rwasa now heading the social welfare agency following a deal reached late last year with Bujumbura.

The FNL splinter group is said to be backed by the government aiming to weaken the mainstream party, a key rival in next year's elections which will be the country's second post-war polls.

Rwasa himself has yet to declare interest in running for presidency.

"But if the FNL party chooses me, why shouldn't I accept?" he said.

Since 2006, the small central African nation has struggled to emerge from a deadly 13-year civil war.