UNITED NATIONS, Rabi'I 06, 1437, December 17, 2015, SPA -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned Wednesday that Burundi is on the brink of a civil war that could engulf the region. During a news conference, Ban expressed alarm at the “chilling” escalation in violence between government forces and armed fighters. The U.N. chief said that his special adviser, Jamal Benomar, will travel to the region before the end of the week to press for an urgent political dialogue involving all parties. “We must do all we can to prevent mass violence and act decisively should it erupt,” Ban said. Ban said that the world body may have to increase its presence and activities depending on the situation. --SPA 11:51 LOCAL TIME 08:51 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w