Security Force Raids In Burundi's Capital; UN To Discuss Crisis

Some families fled their homes ahead of the crackdown (Image credits: AP)

Police are continuing with house-to-house searches in parts of Burundi's capital, Bujumbura, after a deadline for the surrender of illegal weapons expired on Saturday. President Pierre Nkurunziza warned last week that anyone who refused to give up arms would be "dealt with as enemies of the nation".

The raids are taking place in Bujumbura's northern areas, which are seen as opposition strongholds.

A cycle of violence began in April with opposition supporters protesting against Mr Nkurunziza's controversial decision to stand for a third term.

BBC News report continues:

Nkurunziza argued that his first term as president did not count towards the constitutional two-term limit as he was chosen by lawmakers.

The UN Security Council is due to meet later today in New York to discuss the crisis in Burundi.

The meeting is being held at France's request, amid growing international concern about violence and ethnic tension in the country.

Yesterday, Rwandan President Paul Kagame condemned the upsurge in violence in the neighbouring state.

"People are being killed every day, bodies are found on the streets... Leaders are spending time killing people", he said.