South African police leave Burundi early

A contingent of South African police sent to Burundi has returned home two days early.

Reports say it completed its work ahead of schedule.

The contingent was sent to assess the possibility of sending a larger South African force to protect returning Hutu politicians as the country prepares for the start of a new transitional government next month.

The former South African president, Nelson Mandela, who's mediated in the Burundi peace process, has urged his government to send a larger force.

The various Burundian factions have yet to agree the make-up of a joint protection force of their own.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service