The United Nations and key Western nations are discussing the possibility of deploying international peacekeepers in Burundi if the violence in the East African country escalates into a full-scale ethnic conflict, diplomats have said.
At least 240 people have reportedly been killed as tens of thousands have fled to neighbouring states due to the violenve that began when President Pierre Nkurunziza decided in April to run for a third term.
Nkurunziza went ahead to win the disputed elections held in July.
The UN on Monday warned that Burundi could be facing imminent catastrophe with violence in danger of escalating to atrocities.
The UN Security Council is due to vote on Thursday on a French drafted resolution that would ask the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to report back on options for boosting the UN’s presence in Burundi.
