Burundi opposition calls for even bigger protests on Monday

Opponents of a bid by Burundi’s president to seek a contested third term in office on Sunday called for even bigger street protests after a day of violent clashes with police. Clashes erupted in the capital Bujumbura a day after the ruling CNDD-FDD party, which has been accused of intimidating opponents, designated President Pierre Nkurunziza as its candidate for the June 26 presidential election. Two protesters were shot dead.

The campaign against a third term also urges parents not to send their children to school and for shops to close as a sign of solidarity… and so they do not fall victim to Burundian police who shoot blindly into crowds.

Vital Nshimirimana, head of a prominent NGO forum

The president has already been in power for two terms, and opposition figures and rights groups say his attempt to stay put is unconstitutional. Tensions in Burundi have been mounting for months as Nkurunziza – a former rebel leader, born-again Christian and football fanatic who has been president since 2005 – lays the ground for a third term.

Burundi Africa