Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza was sworn in for a controversial third term in power Thursday, the presidency said, following elections last month, weeks of protests and a failed coup.

Nkurunziza took the "oath for a new term of five years", the presidency said in a statement, in a surprise ceremony on Thursday, announced only a few hours in advance. His third term has been condemned as unconstitutional by the opposition and provoked months of protests.