Protesters killed as Burundi unrest continues

At least three people were killed in Burundi on Thursday in a new outbreak of clashes between police and protesters rallying against President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid for a third term.

The latest casualties bring to seven the number of people killed in the unrest that began when the ruling CNDD-FDD named Nkurunziza as its candidate for the June 26 elections, according to the Red Cross. 

Two protesters were killed when a grenade was thrown at a crowd in Bujumbura, the capital. Additionally, a man believed to belong to the ruling party’s youth wing was burned to death by protesters, according to local reports.

The Red Cross' Alexis Manirakiza, speaking to Al Jazeera from Bujumbura, said the relief agency had recorded 212 people wounded since the clashes began.

Tensions remained high in the area on Thursday with protesters arming themselves with sticks and batons.

Critics strongly oppose Nkurunziza's bid for the presidency, saying it is unconstitutional and violates the hard-won Arusha accord gains, which ended the country's 13-year civil war based on ethnic lines.

But the president's supporters maintain that Nkurunziza, who became president in 2005, was installed by the parliament as opposed to being elected directly by people, making him eligible for another term. 

The constitutional court's only two remaining judges — five fled to neighboring Rwanda amid threats — ruled on Tuesday that Nkurunziza's bid was valid. 

Nkurunziza announced that if re-elected he would step down after a third term. 

"I wish to inform the national and international community that, if re-elected, this will be the final term as provided in the ruling of the constitutional court," the president said during a recent address to the nation.

Meanwhile, east African foreign ministers met with Burundi's opposition in Bujumbura in the hope of striking a peace deal.

Agathon Rwasa,  leader of the National Liberation Forces, the main opposition party, told Al Jazeera that President Nkurunziza and his parliament were manipulating some institutions to rule in their favor.

"Whatever he said yesterday, it is a lie. He can't keep his promises and words. The fact is that he violated the Arusha agreement that brought peace to the country and you think he will keep his words now," he said.

Al Jazeera and wire services