Burundi's president sparks new clashes by registering for third term

Burundi's president sparks new clashes by registering for third term
By Seamus Kearney
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Despite days of unrest, Burundi's president has filed papers to stand for a third term in office

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Despite days of unrest, Burundi’s president has filed papers to stand for a third term in office.

Protesters clashed again with police after Pierre Nkurunziza confirmed plans to put his name forward.

Burundi’s constitutional court ruled this week that running for a third five-year term was legal.

It said the president’s first term did not count because he was appointed by parliament and not elected by the people.

Opponents accuse the president of going against the spirit of the constitution and a peace deal that ended a civil war in 2005.

Police have used tear gas and water cannon to break up demonstrations, and deny protesters’ claims that live rounds have been used.

Critics of the president say they will keep protesting until he withdraws from a ballot due to be held in June.

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