Burundi political tensions

Demonstrators rally past a barricade in the Cibitoke neighborhood of
Bujumbura, Burundi, Tuesday, May 19, 2015.

Protesters opposed to Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza called for him to step down Tuesday, defying warnings to end weeks of demonstrations as security forces fired shots to restore order after a failed coup.

In one district, civil society leader Dieudonne Bashirahishize led more than a thousand protesters to observe a minute of silence "for the martyrs of the fight for freedom", calling on people to "overcome our fear and continue to demonstrate despite threats".

At least 20 people died in weeks of street battles with security forces before demonstrations ended last week when generals launched a failed coup attempt, but protests resumed again on Monday. (AFP)