BUJUMBURA, Burundi (AP) – Burundi’s national university was abruptly closed on Thursday amid protests in the capital that persisted with barricades burning in some neighborhoods.
Students could be seen heading home under police watch. At the Kiriki campus of the University of Burundi, some hopped into taxis and others carried mattresses and other belongings on their heads.
In the Musaga area of Bujumbura, protesters carried two birds with severed heads, an apparent symbol of defiance against the ruling party, which features an eagle on its emblem.
Bujumbura has been hit by street protests since Sunday as the security forces confront demonstrators who say a third term for President Pierre Nkurunziza is unconstitutional. Nkurunziza was nominated by his party on Saturday to stand for June 26 presidential elections.
At least six people have been killed in clashes with the police, according to the Burundi Red Cross.