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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

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]
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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]
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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]
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