UNITED NATIONS, United States: The UN Security Council on Friday authorized the deployment of a robust force of 4,000 troops to South Sudan after heavy fighting set back efforts to end the country’s devastating war.
The council adopted a US-drafted resolution that also threatened to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan if the government blocks the deployment.
Eleven countries in the 15-member council voted in favor of the resolution. China, Russia, Egypt and Venezuela abstained from the vote, citing the failure to secure South Sudan’s consent for the new mission.
African leaders called for the regional force to secure Juba and help protect UN bases there after a flare-up of violence in the capital that left hundreds dead in early July.
Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda are expected to contribute the bulk of the new troops who will be authorized to “use all necessary means, including undertaking robust action where necessary” to fulfill their mandate.
The force will ensure security in Juba and at the airport and “promptly and effectively engage any actor that is credibly found to be preparing attacks or engages in attacks”.
