Bujumbura, Burundi--Burundi's defence minister called on the army Thursday to close ranks after a failed coup as the security forces battle to stem weeks of violent anti-government protests.
One protester was shot dead Thursday in clashes with police in the capital Bujumbura, a witness said, the latest victim of the unrest triggered by President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid for a third term in power, in which more than 20 people have died.
The crisis, which began in late April after the ruling party nominated Nkurunziza to stand again in June presidential elections, deepened last week when a top general staged a failed coup attempt.
Newly-appointed Defence Minister Emmanuel Ntahonvukiye called for unity in the wake of the abortive coup, which was crushed by loyalist forces after street fighting between rival factions.
"The survival of Burundi as a nation depends on the cohesion of the army," a military statement read, warning that, should the army splinter, it would result in a situation seen in war-torn Somalia.
Nkurunziza, in an address to the nation late Wednesday, said most of the central African country was secure, and that the upcoming parliamentary and presidential votes would be peaceful.
"Peace and security reign over 99.9 percent of Burundian territory and population are going about normally in their activities," Nkurunziza said in a broadcast on state radio.
Shooting was heard overnight in the flashpoint Musaga district of the capital, where police have vowed to end protests.
And hundreds of protestors returned to the streets Thursday, as they have done for almost a month, chanting anti-government slogans and singing.
Most of the demonstrations took place in Bujumbura's suburbs. One group of protesters briefly reached the symbolic city centre, only to be swiftly chased away by the police.
AFP
