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U.S. urges Burundian president not to seek third term

Xinhua, May 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

The United States on Friday urged Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza not to seek a third term, as the African nation is still smarting from a coup attempt.

Citing U.S. concern about the potential outbreak of more violence following the coup attempt Wednesday and Thursday,State Department spokesman Jeffrey Rathke called on Nkurunziza not to " stand for a third term."

"We're concerned by the potential for further violence, including some reports today of retaliatory violence following the attempted seizure of power yesterday," Rathke said at a daily news briefing.

"In fact, the president's decision to announce his candidacy for a third term has and will continue to exacerbate instability, and potentially foment violence in the country," he added. "This threatens the viability of the Burundian government, and it increases the risk of violence and insecurity that could threaten donor support."

Three army and police generals accused of masterminding the failed coup were detained Friday, when Nkurunziza returned to the capital city of Bujumbura from a regional summit in Tanzania.

The president's bid for a third five-year term has sparked unrest in the country, where at least 17 people have been killed in protests-turned-clashes since April 26.

Rathke also called on all parties in Burundi to refrain from " any retaliatory action and violence," as normalcy was returning to Bujumbura after forces loyal to the president defeated mutineers led by a former intelligence chief.

Rathke once again threatened visa restrictions against those using violence against civilians and halt of military aid to Burundian military units involved in "gross violations of human rights." Endite