The UN has warned of a potential dangerous escalation of violence in Burundi if talks between the government and opposition are not restarted. The country was plunged into conflict in April amid an election controversy.

The UN Security Council on Monday implored Burundi's government to reopen talks with the opposition as violence in the country threatens to spiral out of control.

France called an emergency meeting of the 15-member council to address the worsening violence in the central African country. The Council backed Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's plan to send a senior UN official on an urgent mission to ease the crisis.

"Council members expressed deep concern on the political and security situation in Burundi and called for the immediate resumption of inclusive dialogue in order to achieve a lasting peace," Nigerian Ambassador Joy Ogwu told reporters following the meeting.

Ogwu, whose country currently holds the Council presidency, said the envoy would be sent soon.

The recent killing of top general Adolphe Nshimirimana, and the attempted murder of human rights activist Pierre-Claver Mbonimpa have been seen as a dangerous escalation in the conflict that was sparked by President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid for a third term in office.