3 killed in Burundi clashes ahead of polls: witnesses

At least three people were killed in Burundi, witnesses said, as tension rises a day before key polls in the central African nation that the UN warns should be postponed.

One was shot while another was killed in a grenade blast yesterday, according to witnesses. A soldier was killed by accident by a comrade during a raid on a house, adding to the more than 70 killed in weeks of violence and a failed coup sparked by President Pierre Nkurunziza’s bid to stay in power for a third term.

Parliamentary and local elections are set to be held tomorrow, and a presidential vote on July 15.

The opposition on Friday said it was boycotting the polls, claiming it is not possible to hold a fair vote, with over 127,000 people having fled into neighbouring countries, fearing further violence.

UN <g data-gr-id="16">Secretary General</g> Ban Ki-moon on Friday called for the elections to be delayed after the opposition said they would not take part, as Burundi faces its worst crisis since its civil war ended nine years ago.

Burundi was plunged into turmoil in late April when Nkurunziza launched his drive for a third consecutive five-year term, triggering widespread protests.