The UN Security Council on Thursday unanimously adopted a resolution calling for an end to violence in Burundi.
At least 240 people had been killed and tens of thousands others fled to neighbouring states during months of violence.
A security guard walks past the United Nations logo at the U.N. Headquarters in New York, August 31, 2013. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri
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It also threatens to consider sanctions if politically motivated human rights abuses continue in the country.
Matthew Rycroft, British ambassador to the UN described the resolution as an `important step forward.’
He said that it sent a united signal to all parties in Burundi to engage in dialogue and refrain from inciting violence.
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Rycroft said the resolution also called on the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, to update the council on the situation in Burundi within 15 days, including options for a future UN presence in the country.
The violence was sparked off when Burundi’s President, Pierre Nkurunziza decided in April to run for a third term in office.
