Sporadic gunfire rang out in Burundi's capital on Thursday, a day after an army general announced he had ousted President Pierre Nkurunziza, whose decision to seek a third term in office provoked angry street protests.

Loud explosions could be heard in central Bujumbura, which has been the scene of daily protests against another term for Nkurunziza.

Thousands took to the streets on Wednesday to celebrate after Major General Godefroid Niyombare announced on a private radio station that Nkurunziza had been relieved of his duties.