Burundi Red Cross: 3 killed in clashes with security forces

At least three people have been killed in Burundi today in violent clashes with the security forces, said the Red Cross, as street demonstrations persist over the president's third term bid.
An estimated 45 more people have been wounded, said Red Cross spokesman Alexis Manirakiza, in the worst chaos since the ruling party nominated President Pierre Nkurunziza to be its candidate in elections on June 26.
Last week at least six people were killed in violent confrontations with the police, who fired live ammunition, tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds.
The protests are happening mostly in the suburbs of the capital, Bujumbura.

The protests resumed today after a weekend pause following a week of clashes between police and protesters angry over the president's bid for run for another term.
Today some protesters reached downtown Bujumbura, which they had previously failed to get to because of a 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 shooting at 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 today.

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 died.
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.