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Burundi Police Clash With Protesters


Demonstrators climb on a container they moved to use as a barricade in the Cibitoke neighborhood of Bujumbura, Burundi, May 19, 2015.
Demonstrators climb on a container they moved to use as a barricade in the Cibitoke neighborhood of Bujumbura, Burundi, May 19, 2015.

Thousands of Burundians continue to defy authorities, marching through the capital, Bujumbura, demanding that President Pierre Nkurunziza step down.

Police on Tuesday fired tear gas and beat protesters who say they will remain in the streets until the president withdraws his plan to seek a third term in office.

At least 20 people have died in three weeks of clashes between security forces and protesters who say Nkurunziza's ambitions violate the constitution.

The president withstood a coup attempt last week when he was out of the country for a regional conference focused on Burundi's political situation.

On Monday, a summit of African Great Lakes region countries called on Burundi to postpone the June 26 election until the country is stabilized.

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