World Bulletin / News Desk

Burundi's National Security Council (NSC) called Saturday for an immediate and unconditional cessation of protests against President Pierre Nkurinziza's bid for a third term in office.

"We urge protest organizers to stop immediately and unconditionally to allow the residents of Bujumbura to freely and safely participate in the electoral process," Burundi's Minister of Public Safety Gabriel Nizigama said Saturday at a press briefing.

"We call on all those who, on May 13 [date of the aborted coup against Nkurunziza], have stolen weapons from different posts and police stations to return those weapons immediately," Nizigama said.

He said the government was committed to ensure the protection of politicians and citizens who would participate in the electoral process.

Nkurunziza decided on Wednesday to postpone the legislative and municipal elections – originally slated for May 26 – to June 5, without mentioning the presidential election, which is scheduled for June 26.

On Friday, Burundian civil society organizations and opposition parties announced the suspension of protests on Saturday and Sunday event.