Protesters shot dead as thousands take to Burundi's streets

At least three protesters were killed in Burundi on Monday as demonstrations against President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to seek a third term in office entered a second week, the Red Cross said.

Veteran human rights activist Pierre Claver Mbonimpa said the protesters were shot dead in the capital, Bujumbura. The fatalities take the total number killed in more than a week of protests to at least 12 people, including soldiers and police.

The police had no immediate comment, but said they would issue a statement later, Reuters reported.

Thousands of protesters joined Monday's demonstration with some managing to reach the center of the capital, which they had previously failed to access amid heavy police and military presence.

As gunfire rang out, protesters ducked for cover and shopkeepers hurriedly closed their businesses. In addition to the two deaths, several people were also injured by the gunfire, The Associated Press reported, citing witnesses.

Burundi's authorities have vowed a major crackdown on protesters, accusing opposition and civil society groups of providing cover for a “terrorist enterprise.”

Security Minister Gabriel Nizigama on Saturday said that an earlier grenade attack that killed three people, including two police officers, was “linked to those who say they are demonstrating” against the president.

“We heard these criminals used grenades and guns, and for us they are linked to those who say they are demonstrating because they consider the police, who are bringing peace and security, to be their enemy,” Nizigama said.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Monday that Nkurunziza’s decision to seek a third term “flies directly in the face” of Burundi’s constitution.

"We are deeply concerned about President Nkurunziza's decision," Kerry told a news conference in Nairobi, adding that recent unrest in Burundi was a result of public concern about that decision and “should be listened to.”

Al Jazeera and wire services