Burundi denounces 'militants', vows to stop protests

Burundi's government on Saturday vowed a major crackdown on political protests, accusing opposition and civil society groups of providing cover for a "terrorist enterprise".

Burundi's security minister, General Gabriel Nizigama, said an overnight grenade attack that killed three people, including two police, was "linked to those who say they are demonstrating" against the controversial bid by the central African nation's president to serve a third term in office.

"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," the minister said.

"The security forces will from now on take every necessary measure to stop and arrest these criminals. The police, with the army, will do everything to stop this uprising," he added.

"From today we will no longer see demonstrations. We see criminals, terrorists and even enemies of the country."

At least 10 people have died and scores more have been hurt since the protests began. Nearly 600 people have also been arrested, according to police.

The political unrest erupted after the ruling CNDD-FDD party last weekend designated President Pierre Nkurunziza as its candidate in the next presidential election, which is due to be held on June 26.

Opposition figures and rights groups say Nkurunziza's attempt to stand for a third consecutive term violates the constitution as well as a peace deal that ended a civil war in 2006.

Nkurunziza, a former rebel leader and born-again Christian from the Hutu majority, has been in power for two terms since 2005.

His supporters say he is eligible to run again, since his first term in office followed his election by parliament -- not directly by the people as the constitution specifies.