Burundi opposition leader declares election boycott as violence persists in the capital

BUJUMBURA, Burundi – Burundi's most prominent opposition leader says his party is boycotting elections amid political unrest stemming from the president's bid for a third term.

Agathon Rwasa, who leads the opposition party known by its initials as FNL, told The Associated Press on Friday that he is pulling out because he no longer feels safe on the campaign trail. He added that he believes credible elections cannot be held amid persistent violence as the security forces try to quell protests against President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid to extend his time in office.

At least two grenades exploded in the nation's capital, Bujumbura, on Friday, witnesses said. Three people were wounded in one of the explosions, which happened in the parking lot of a commercial bank, according to witness Yves Florent Nkundwa.