The European Union and United States called for a delay to elections in Burundi Monday after deadly protests triggered by the president's bid for a third term.

The call came as protesters defied government orders to end demonstrations against President Pierre Nkurunziza's controversial bid, and two days before a regional summit of East African leaders hoping to end the crisis.

Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza's insistence on running for a third term has already sparked deadly protests at home and now threatens to destabilize an already volatile region.

Analysts warn that without an urgent solution, the current street protests in Burundi could escalate into a regional crisis that spreads far beyond the small central African country, including fears it might draw in neighboring Rwanda, and create far more refugees than the 50,000 who have already fled.

Protesters in Burundi on Monday defied government orders to end demonstrations against President Pierre Nkurunziza's controversial bid for a third term Monday, as Belgium suspended key funding for the elections.

Hundreds of opposition supporters demonstrated on the streets of the capital Bujumbura, despite the security services ripping down barricades set up during days of protests.

Burundi's government on Saturday ordered "insurgents" to end weeks of demonstrations against President Pierre Nkurunziza's third term bid and ordered all barricades to be removed within 48 hours.

"The protesters and organizers of this insurrection must immediately and unconditionally stop this insurrection that handicaps the life of Burundi and its people," the National Security Council said in a statement read out in Bujumbura.

International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda warned Friday her office would closely monitor the run-up to elections in Burundi and would not hesitate to prosecute perpetrators of "mass violence."

Tensions are rising in the central African country ahead of planned polls in May and June, with at least 18 people killed since late April in protests over President Pierre Nkurunziza's controversial bid for a third term in office.

Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza filed his candidacy to run for a third term on Friday, saying elections will "go well" despite days of deadly protests at his controversial bid.

Nkurunziza smiled as he became the first candidate to register for the June 26 polls, shrugging off international pressure not to run and dismissing fears of a mounting crisis.

Government and opposition rivals are meeting in Burundi Friday seeking a deal after days of deadly demonstrations against a third term bid by the president, as international pressure mounts to end the crisis.

At least 18 people have been killed, including protesters and police, and scores wounded since late April, when the ruling CNDD-FDD nominated President Pierre Nkurunziza to stand for reelection, triggering daily protests.

Deadly protests in Burundi against the president's bid for a third term has put the army in a pivotal role, standing between protestors, police and pro-government militia.

As clashes show little sign of ending, the army's stance has become increasingly important, but analysts warn its loyalties and the powerful influence it now exerts could change if the crisis degenerates further.

At least four people were killed in Burundi Thursday in clashes over the president's bid for a third term, as the African Union warned it was not possible to hold an election under such conditions.

Two were shot by police amid battles between demonstrators, police and government supporters, thought to be members of the ruling party's Imbonerakure militia. The Red Cross said one person had been killed by a grenade, another burned body was seen by an AFP journalist.

Government and opposition rivals in Burundi have held talks on ending deadly demonstrations against a third term bid by the president, officials said Wednesday, as international concern mounted over the crisis.

Protesters have defied calls to end demonstrations, after more than a week of running battles in which over a dozen people have been killed. U.N. refugee chief Antonio Guterres said he was "extremely worried" as tens of thousands fled the small central African nation.