DHAKA: The UN Security Council has authorized the deployment of a UN police force to Burundi to try to quell violence and human rights abuses in the country.

The council backed a French-drafted resolution to send up to 228 police for an initial period of a year, reports the BBC.

Burundi earlier said it would accept no more than 50 police officers.

More than 400 people have been killed in unrest since President Pierre Nkurunziza said he would run for a third term in office last April.

More than 200,000 people have fled their homes.

“Given an increase in violence and tension the Security Council must have eyes and ears on the ground to predict and ensure that the worst does not occur in Burundi,” said French UN Ambassador Francois Delattre.

“This is a strong act of preventative diplomacy,” he added.

The government of Burundi earlier warned it would agree to no more than 50 UN police officers.

Diplomats are now negotiating how to implement the UN Security Council's resolution.

BDST: 1206 HRS, JUL 30, 2016
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