Bloody protests in the Republic of Burundi

(Baonghean.vn) - At least two people were shot dead in violent clashes in Burundi on Sunday, April 26, a day after President Pierre Nkurunziza announced his intention to continue his third term.

Protesters attacked police with bricks and stones. Photo: AFP

Thousands of people defied a ban on protests and marched through the streets of the capital Bujumbura. Police fired into the air to disperse the crowds.

President Nkurunziza was nominated to take power by his own CNDD-FDD party, which his opponents have said is unconstitutional.

They warn this would threaten the country's peace since the end of a 12-year civil war in 2005 that killed more than 300,000 people.

Angry protesters threw rocks and burned tires. Police responded with tear gas, water cannons and live ammunition, blocking all routes into the center of the capital.

Both sides suffered injuries in the clashes, and several protesters were also arrested.

Police used tear gas to disperse protesters. Photo: Reuters

Police also threatened to shut down a private radio station unless it stopped broadcasting live coverage of the protests.

At his appointment during a special party congress, President Nkurunziza said: "I call on everyone to vote peacefully."

“But I want to warn everyone: Whoever wants to confront the ruling parties elected by the people, they will have to suffer the appropriate consequences,” he added.

Mr. Nkurunziza served two terms as president of the Republic of Burundi. Photo: Reuters

Mr Nkurunziza served two terms as president, taking power at the end of the civil war.

Burundi's constitution only allows the president to be elected twice. But Mr Nkurunziza's supporters argue he is eligible for another term since he was appointed by parliament in 2005.

More than 12,000 people have fled to neighboring countries in recent weeks due to escalating violence ahead of presidential elections in June, the UN refugee agency says.

Pham Tien Hoan

According to BBC