Growing tension in Burundi over president's bid for third term

2015-05-12 27

One person is reported dead during renewed clashes between police and protesters in Burundi.

Officers reportedly fired shots to try to disperse crowds demonstrating against the country’s president.

Pierre Nkurunziza sparked controversy by deciding to run for a third five-year term.

The constitution allows only two presidential terms, but a court ruled Nkurunziza’s first term did not count as he was appointed by parliament and not elected by the people.

Critics of the president, who has filed papers to stand again in a ballot in June, say he is violating the spirit of the constitution and a peace accord struck after years of conflict.

Some report say at least 22 people have been killed since demonstrations began on April the 26th.

The US and other western nations have called on the president not to run for a third term, voicing concern about the recent violence.

Nkurunziza and other East African leaders are due to meet in Tanzania on Wednesday to discuss the crisis.

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