In Pictures
Taking to the streets in Burundi
Sitting president’s decision to seek third term prompts public protests and police crackdown, resulting in deaths.
Bujumbura, Burundi – Protests in Burundi have continued into their second week, with clashes erupting between demonstrators and the police following a “truce” over the weekend.
On April 25, President Pierre Nkurunziza launched his bid for a third term as president of this small, landlocked East African nation.
The following day, people took to the streets to protest against the announcement, citing the constitution which limits presidents to two terms.
Nkurunziza claims that his first term does not fit within the scope of the constitution as he ascended to power, having been voted in by parliament, not by the population.
The protests have been violently suppressed, with police using live rounds in an effort to quell dissent. Radio stations have been closed and journalists intimidated.
Tens of thousands of people have fled the country in the run-up to elections.
Burundi is scheduled to hold legislative elections at the end of this month, and presidential elections next month.
