The political crisis began in April 2015 after incumbent President Pierre Nkurunziza announced plans to contest for a third term, a move that was contested by both opposition and civil society groups.

Ban, who spoke after holding talks with Nkurunziza, said the discussions were sincere and productive, especially with regards to the crisis the country is facing now.

"I came to Burundi at a time when the country is going through a crisis. We cannot leave the crisis to fester," he said.

The UN secretary general said the Burundian crisis had serious socio-economic consequences on a population that has already been impoverished.

He noted that over 240,000 Burundians have fled into refuge in neighbouring countries due to the crisis.

The UN chief urged Burundians to work together and protect dividends of peace, stability and reconciliation that were achieved through the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Accord signed in 2000, and the subsequent ceasefire agreements.

He further urged all Burundian political parties to embrace the culture of peace and tolerance, and engage in inclusive political dialogue to find lasting solutions to the crisis.

The UN, he promised, will closely work with the Burundian government to facilitate the dialogue process.

Ban further hailed the promise by Nkurunziza to release over 1,200 political prisoners who were arrested in the course of the ongoing crisis.

On his part, Nkurunziza praised the UN as in the last ten months, all its resolutions were taken within a dimension that respects Burundi`s national sovereignty.

While reiterating his support for inter-Burundi dialogue to end the current crisis, Nkurunziza equally urged UN authorities to intervene to normalize diplomatic relations between his country and Rwanda.

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