Protests after Burundi President Sticks to Vote Bid, One Dead

Local Editor

Protesters were back on the streets of Burundi's capital on Thursday and one person was killed after President Pierre Nkurunziza told demonstrators to halt rallies against his third term bid, promising to make it his last if he wins.

Opponents said the president, who had been in office since the end of an ethnically fuelled civil war in 2005, was violating the peace deal and constitution by seeking a new five-year term.

However, a constitutional court ruled on Tuesday that he was allowed to run because his first term, when he was picked by lawmakers and not elected, did not count. The opposition said the court was biased and that protests would go on until he steps aside.

"I will respect the decision of the constitutional court," Nkurunziza said in a televised address on Wednesday night. "I would like to assure the national and international community that in case I am elected now, this will be my last term."

Furthermore, the Burundi Red Cross said one person was killed in disturbances on Thursday in Bujumbura's Cibitoke district and nine were injured in that area and an adjacent neighborhood.

Civil society groups said 13 people had died since protests began on April 26. Police give a lower number.

Moreover, hundreds protested in Cibitoke on Thursday. Tires were burning and one vehicle was torched. Protesters claimed that on Thursday the Imbonerakure youth wing of Nkurunziza's ruling CNDD-FDD party had attacked them.

Though, the government had dismissed the charge that the youth wing has fomented violence, instead accusing protesters of starting an "insurrection". It said it will offer those detained during protests an amnesty if the rallies stopped.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team