(Transcript from SBS World News Radio)
Gun battles are continuing in the Burundian capital Bujumburaamid ongoing fighting between soldiers backing an attempted coup and forces loyal to President Pierre Nkurunziza.
The president has returned to the country, a day after the attempted coup that was launched by Army Chief of Staff General Godefroid Niyombare.
It came after another general said he had sacked the president for seeking an unconstitutional third term in office.
Michael Kenny reports.
(Click on the audio tab above to hear the full report)
Many Burundians in the country's capital city have taken shelter in their homes amid heavy gunfire in the city.
This local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, is hoping for an early an end to the unrest.
"I want peace. I want these things to end so that we can live without fear because right now, we are very scared of the danger that comes with the war. Everywhere we go, we keep hearing fighting all over the place. We do not like this at all. We just want peace and total peace."
President Nkurunziza's decision to seek another five-year term in office has triggered more than two weeks of protests in Burundi.
The country's constitution stipulates that a president can only remain in power for two terms.
This is also a requirement under the Arusha peace accord, signed in 2005, which brought an end to a lengthy civil war between Tutsis and Hutus.
The failed coup has been condemned by the United Nations and the African Union as a setback for peace.
The President of the UN Security Council, Raimonda Murmokaite called for fresh elections to restore political harmony in Burundi.
"The members of the Security Council called for the swift return to the rule of law and the holding of credible elections in the spirit of the Arusha agreements. The members of the Security Council expressed their intent to respond to violent acts in Burundi that threaten peace and security."
Burundi's constitutional court has found the President has acted constitutionally.
It argues his first term as President should not be counted because he was picked by parliament on that occasion and not be popular vote.
Chadian President Idriss Deby is among those calling for President Nkurunziza to resign, claiming he has violated the constitution.
However President Deby has also condemned the actions of General Niyombare.
"We condemn in the strongest way this coup attempt. In the same way we condemn the violations of the constitution by the president of the republic. By principle and on all levels, nobody accepts a coup. So we call and I call on everybody's responsibility to avoid a catastrophe."
The United Nations estimates more than 70 thousand Burundians have fled to neighbouring countries over recent weeks to escape the unrest.
The Chadian President says dialogue is urgently needed to help ease tensions between rival factions and prevent further bloodshed.
"The message we send is to stop violence. This is the first thing. And if there is a problem, it should be solved by dialogue."
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