BUJUMBURA, Burundi (AP) – One person was killed in a clash with Burundi’s police on Sunday in demonstrations in the capital, Bujumbura, as the government ordered a ban on any further street protests over President Pierre Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term in power.
At least 14 people have died and 216 have been wounded in protests since April 25, when the ruling party nominated Nkurunziza to be its presidential candidate in elections set for June.
Nkurunziza’s government ordered all state officials report back to work and all schools to reopen on Monday in a statement read out by the Minister of Defense, General Pontien Gaciyubwenge.
The government’s order will escalate the violence, said Pacific Nininahazwe, a civil society activist. Nininahazwe said he is surprised that the defense minister endorsed the government statement after declaring on May 2 that the military would remain neutral and comply strictly with the Arusha Accords and the constitution.
More than 50,000 Burundians have fled to neighboring countries fearing violence, according to the U.N. refugee agency.