Live
play
  • News
    • Middle East
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • US & Canada
    • Latin America
    • Europe
    • Asia Pacific
  • Coronavirus
  • Features
  • Economy
  • Opinion
  • Video
  • More
    • Investigations
    • Interactives
    • In Pictures
    • Climate
    • Science & Technology
    • Sports
    • Podcasts

In Pictures

Gallery

Taking to the streets in Burundi

Sitting president’s decision to seek third term prompts public protests and police crackdown, resulting in deaths.

Much of the Burundian capital has been brought to a standstill by protests, with many people complaining that they cannot buy food as markets are closed. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
Much of the Burundian capital has been brought to a standstill by protests, with many people complaining that they cannot buy food as markets are closed. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
By 
Phil Moore
5 May 2015
facebooktwitterwhatsapp

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.

Police officers line up against protesters in the Musaga neighbourhood of Bujumbura. The police have prevented protesters from reaching the city centre. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
Police officers line up against protesters in the Musaga neighbourhood of Bujumbura. The police have prevented protesters from reaching the city centre. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
Advertisement
People march towards police lines in the protest in the Musaga neighbourhood. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
People march towards police lines in the protest in the Musaga neighbourhood. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
A man carries his belongings from the Mugasa neighbourhood, which has been wracked by protests. Tens of thousands have fled the country. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
A man carries his belongings from the Mugasa neighbourhood, which has been wracked by protests. Tens of thousands have fled the country. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
Early on May 4, protesters erected burning barricades in run-up to protests and street battles with police that run through the day. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
Early on May 4, protesters erected burning barricades in run-up to protests and street battles with police that run through the day. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
By the early evening on May 4, protesters had made some ground against police, but at least three people had died during the day. One warned 'the war will continue'. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
By the early evening on May 4, protesters had made some ground against police, but at least three people had died during the day. One warned 'the war will continue'. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
Jean-Claude Niyonzima was killed on April 26 following the protests. Family members say armed men entered their house and executed him. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
Jean-Claude Niyonzima was killed on April 26 following the protests. Family members say armed men entered their house and executed him. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
Advertisement
Pascal lies injured on a gurney in a small health centre in the Musaga neighbourhood, following clashes with police. He was injured by a gunshot, and later died. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
Pascal lies injured on a gurney in a small health centre in the Musaga neighbourhood, following clashes with police. He was injured by a gunshot, and later died. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
Protesters warn off the Imbonerakure, the youth wing of the ruling party, which have been linked with militia activities. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
Protesters warn off the Imbonerakure, the youth wing of the ruling party, which have been linked with militia activities. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
The army has played a critical role in mediating between protesters and police. They are largely celebrated by the protesters as protecting the civilian population. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
The army has played a critical role in mediating between protesters and police. They are largely celebrated by the protesters as protecting the civilian population. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
The protests have forced shops to close across the city, and motorists complain of a fuel shortage, queuing for hours to fill their tank. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
The protests have forced shops to close across the city, and motorists complain of a fuel shortage, queuing for hours to fill their tank. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
As many as 21,000 people are reported to have fled to Rwanda in April, according to UN refugee agency UNHCR. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]
As many as 21,000 people are reported to have fled to Rwanda in April, according to UN refugee agency UNHCR. [Phil Moore/Al Jazeera]

More from Gallery

In Pictures: Myanmar’s ‘bloodiest’ day since coup

A protester uses a fire extinguisher as others holding homemade shields run in Yangon. [AFP]

In Pictures: Risking death in search for antique Afghan carpets

Abdul Wahab, one of Kabul's top tribal carpet collectors, displays a rug inside his shop on Chicken Street in the capital. [Wakil Kohsar/AFP]

In Pictures: Is avocado boom to blame for bee deaths in Colombia?

A poisoned beehive in Santa Fe de Antioquia. [Joaquin Sarmiento/AFP]

In Pictures: Police escalate crackdown on protests in Myanmar

Protesters flash three-finger salutes during a rally against the February 1 military coup in Yangon, Myanmar. [Reuters]
Most Read

Trump appointee arrested in connection with Capitol riot: Reports

Former President Donald Trump has disputed the results of November presidential election [File: Jim Bourg/Reuters]

‘Buttergate’: Why isn’t butter softening in Canada?

The controversy over Canada's butter, dubbed 'Buttergate', has garnered international attention in recent weeks [Jillian Kestler-D'Amours/Al Jazeera]

Kamala Harris tells Netanyahu that US opposes ICC probe of Israel

The call, the first between the two since Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden took office in January, came a day after the ICC prosecutor said she would launch the probe, prompting swift rejections by Washington and the Israeli government [File: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters]

Pope Francis calls for end to violence in first Iraq address

Pope Francis gives a speech at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad [Vatican Media via Reuters]
  • About
    • About Us
    • Code of Ethics
    • Terms and Conditions
    • EU/EEA Regulatory Notice
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Cookie Preferences
    • Community Guidelines
    • Work for us
    • HR Quality
  • Connect
    • Contact Us
    • Apps
    • Newsletters
    • Channel Finder
    • TV Schedule
    • Podcasts
    • Submit a Tip
  • Our Channels
    • Al Jazeera Arabic
    • Al Jazeera English
    • Al Jazeera Investigative Unit
    • Al Jazeera Mubasher
    • Al Jazeera Documentary
    • Al Jazeera Balkans
    • AJ+
  • Our Network
    • Al Jazeera Centre for Studies
    • Al Jazeera Media Institute
    • Learn Arabic
    • Al Jazeera Centre for Public Liberties & Human Rights
    • Al Jazeera Forum
    • Al Jazeera Hotel Partners
Follow Al Jazeera English:rssinstagramyoutubetwitterfacebook
logo
© 2021 Al Jazeera Media Network