The UN Security Council on Friday established a new peacekeeping mission in South Sudan to help the incipient state consolidate peace and create conditions for economic and democratic development, reported the dpa. The UN Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) will be composed of 7,000 military and police personnel for a 12-month period beginning on Saturday when South Sudan is inaugurated a new nation, separating itself from the rest of Sudan. The mission is tasked with strengthening South Sudan's capacity to "govern effectively and democratically, and establish good relations with its neighbours." It is authorized to "use all means necessary" to carry out its mandate, which includes protection of civilians.
