The United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in South Sidan until 15 November, reports said on Wednesday.
The 15-member Council also decided to reduce its authorized troop ceiling to 3,550 and increase its authorized police ceiling to 640 personnel, including 148 individual police officers.
Jonathan R. Cohen, a U.S. Envoy, said increasing the number of UNISFA police officers while reducing the number of its peacekeepers will help to address crime and other local challenges.
Noting UNISFA’s continuing contributions to peace and stability in the region, Yao Shaoju, a Chinese Envoy, stressed that the international community must support its efforts and refrain from imposing solutions.
MG/abj/APA