Hundreds of students seeking refuge break into U.S. Embassy in Burundi

Around 200 Burundian students have broken into the U.S. Embassy's compound in the East African nation's capitol, Bujumbura, seeking refuge from police. U.S. Marines were stationed as guards, but the students remained calm once inside, sitting on the ground with their hands raised.

Earlier in the week, close to 600 students set up camp outside the American Embassy, believing that the U.S. would protect them after their university was closed amid anti-government protests. The State Department and officials at the Embassy are still assessing the situation.

Burundi faces violence and turmoil as its president, Pierre Nkurunziza, tries for an unconstitutional third term bid. Earlier Thursday, the vice president fled the nation, stating that he believed his life was at stake for openly opposing the president's re-election. Seventy-seven protesters have died in clashes since President Nkurunziza announced his bid.

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