Burundi’s second vice president flees days ahead of polls

Burundian second vice-president Gervais Rufyikiri who claims he has be threatened for opposing President Pierre Nkurunziza's third term bid.

Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza's controversial bid to stand for a third consecutive term in office was dealt a fresh blow on Thursday after one of his top deputies fled the country and urged him to step down.

In a letter addressed to Nkurunziza, whose re-election bid has already sparked weeks of civil unrest, a refugee crisis and a coup attempt, second vice-president Gervais Rufyikiri urged the president to "put the interests of the Burundian people before your personal interests."