Burundi police accuse opposition leaders of inciting violence

Burundi's police says it has arrested 64 supporters of the main opposition party, the National Freedom Council (CNL), who are blamed for violent clashes with ruling party supporters during the current general election campaign.

Burundians are due to go to the polls for presidential and parliamentary elections on 20 May.

The latest person to be arrested Cathy Kezimana, an outspoken CNL parliamentary candidate. She was detained on Tuesday during a campaign tour in the south of the country.

Police spokesperson Pierre Nkurikiye told the state broadcaster that “most cases of violence and crimes in the campaigns are committed by CNL members" against members of the ruling CNDD-FDD party.

Mr Nkurikiye said the clashes had so far led to the deaths of two people.

He accused opposition leaders of encouraging the violence.

Opposition spokesperson Terence Manirambona told the BBC they were shocked by the comments

"Since the campaigns started many of our members have been arrested under false charges, two have gone missing and many injured in clashes caused by the ruling party members who invade our activities,” he said.

Seven candidates are vying to replace President Pierre Nkurunziza who is stepping down after being in power for 15 years.