May 04, 2015
BUJUMBURA, Burundi (AP) — At least 35 people have been injured in demonstrations in Burundi's capital on Monday, the Burundi Red Cross said, as thousands continued to protest the president's decision to seek a third term.
The protests in the Burundian capital of Bujumbura resumed after a weekend pause following a week of clashes between police and protesters angry over the ruling party's decision to nominate President Pierre Nkurunziza as its candidate in elections scheduled for June 26.
Alexis Manirakiza, a spokesman for the Burundi Red Cross, said the number of those wounded in the clashes continues to grow, although no deaths were reported on Monday. Last week, at least six people were killed in violent confrontations with the police.
On Monday some protesters managed to reach downtown Bujumbura, which they had previously failed to access amid heavy police and military presence. Gunfire rang out and men ducked for cover as some shopkeepers hurriedly closed their businesses.
The military is continuing to act as a buffer between angry protesters and the police, who are accused of sometimes using live ammunition in confrontations with demonstrators. Police have also fired tear gas and water cannon.
In the Musaga neighborhood, where anti-government anger has been particularly intense, barricades were erected as police watched on Monday. Protesters say their goal is to force Nkurunziza to withdraw his bid for a third term, which many see as a violation of the Arusha Agreements that ended a civil war here in which more than 250,000 people were killed.
Burundi's defense minister, Maj. Gen. Pontien Gaciyubwenge, said on Saturday that the army should remain neutral amid the unrest. He urged "all political actors" to avoid violence. Nkurunziza, a Hutu, was selected president by Parliament in 2005. He was re-elected unopposed in 2010.
BUJUMBURA, Burundi (AP) — At least 35 people have been injured in demonstrations in Burundi's capital on Monday, the Burundi Red Cross said, as thousands continued to protest the president's decision to seek a third term.
The protests in the Burundian capital of Bujumbura resumed after a weekend pause following a week of clashes between police and protesters angry over the ruling party's decision to nominate President Pierre Nkurunziza as its candidate in elections scheduled for June 26.
Alexis Manirakiza, a spokesman for the Burundi Red Cross, said the number of those wounded in the clashes continues to grow, although no deaths were reported on Monday. Last week, at least six people were killed in violent confrontations with the police.
On Monday some protesters managed to reach downtown Bujumbura, which they had previously failed to access amid heavy police and military presence. Gunfire rang out and men ducked for cover as some shopkeepers hurriedly closed their businesses.
The military is continuing to act as a buffer between angry protesters and the police, who are accused of sometimes using live ammunition in confrontations with demonstrators. Police have also fired tear gas and water cannon.
In the Musaga neighborhood, where anti-government anger has been particularly intense, barricades were erected as police watched on Monday. Protesters say their goal is to force Nkurunziza to withdraw his bid for a third term, which many see as a violation of the Arusha Agreements that ended a civil war here in which more than 250,000 people were killed.
Burundi's defense minister, Maj. Gen. Pontien Gaciyubwenge, said on Saturday that the army should remain neutral amid the unrest. He urged "all political actors" to avoid violence. Nkurunziza, a Hutu, was selected president by Parliament in 2005. He was re-elected unopposed in 2010.
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