U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Monday recommended deploying 11,820 peacekeepers in strife-torn Central African Republic, including 10,000 soldiers and 1,820 police officers, to re-establish order. In a report sent to the 15 members of the Security Council, Ban specified that the peacekeeping mission should focus, in the initial stage, on "the protection of civilians." However, the mandate for the proposed operation would be progressively expanded to cover "support for the political process" of transition, in particular restoring the government's authority over the country and organizing elections, safeguarding the delivery of humanitarian aid, the respect of human rights, and the return of those displaced by the violence. "It is envisaged that the strength of the peacekeeping operation would comprise up to 10,000 troops and 1,820 police personnel," and include logistical and transport support, such as helicopters, the report explained. The deployment would be rolled out in stages.
