The UN Security Council authorized the deployment of 2,000 additional peacekeepers and almost 500 new police troops to the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali on Wednesday in response to the country's volatile security situation. The strengthening of the mission follows recommendations by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon after more than 70 UN soldiers had been killed in the West African nation in the past three years in attacks by various groups, including 27 troops last year alone, dpa reported. The resolution, which renews the mandate of the peacekeeping mission, increases the mission's military component from the current troop ceiling of 11,240 personnel to 13,289 peacekeepers and also raises the number of police officers from the currently authorized 1,440 to 1,920 personnel. The text emphasizes that the mission's priority must be to support the implementation of the peace agreement in Mali and protect the security of civilians and UN personnel, especially against threats from armed groups with significantly more deadly weapons. The resolution, which was drafted by France, allows the mission to adjust to the "unique security environment" it is mandated to operate in, said Francios Delattre, French ambassador to the UN.
