UN Peacekeepers Take Over In Mali

UN Peacekeepers Begin Mission in Mali -- Voice of America

A United Nations peacekeeping force has taken over security duties in Mali from an African-led mission, as the country seeks stability ahead of a presidential election later this month.

In a ceremony Monday, most of the 6,000 African troops became part of the U.N. force, six months after they first deployed to help the Malian army fight the Islamists who seized control of the country's north.

The U.N. Security Council has authorized a one-year mission with up to 11,200 military personnel and 1,440 international police, making it one of the largest U.N. peacekeeping missions. Their task is to support Mali's political process and to protect civilians and cultural artifacts while creating conditions necessary for the deployment of humanitarian aid.

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More News On UN Peacekeepers Taking Over In Mali

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UN peacekeepers take over from African troops in Mali 6 months after start of intervention -- FOX News/AP
U.N. takes over Mali peacekeeping mission, doubts over vote -- Reuters
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UN's Mali peace force begins operations -- BBC
UN peacekeepers begin operations in Mali -- Deutsche Welle
U.N. peacekeeping troops take over security of northern Mali -- UPI