Burundi’s government has warned it could call out the army if protests escalate in the landlocked country.
Hundreds of protesters clashed with the police last week after taking to the streets to oppose controversial plans by President Pierre Nkurunziza to defy a two-term limit and seek re-election.
Tensions in the central African nation have been mounting for months, with opposition parties and rights groups concerned at Nkurunziza’s expected bid for re-election in June.
The president has not yet confirmed whether he intends to try to stay in power, but his supporters say he has the right to do so.
Five opposition parties, as well as splinter groups of the ruling CNDD-FDD who oppose Nkurunziza, have launched a campaign calling for the president not to run again.
The UN Security Council on Friday warned that the upcoming elections could turn violent and vowed to take action against those who are fomenting unrest.
