The United Nations Security Council is set to authorize a new, expanded peacekeeping force for the Central African Republic.
The Security Council on Thursday is expected to adopt a resolution calling for a force of 10,000 soldiers and 1,800 police to help restore order in the troubled country.
According to a draft resolution seen by VOA, the U.N. force will be operational by September 15, when it will take over from the existing African force in the C.A.R.
Six thousand African troops and 2,000 French troops have been unable to contain sectarian violence that has killed thousands of people.
Attacks by largely Christian militias have prompted most of the Muslim minority to flee their homes, with many going to neighboring countries.
During a visit to the C.A.R. capital of Bangui Saturday, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the council to act quickly on his recommendation for an expanded peacekeeping force.
He also called on the C.A.R.'s leaders to do more to stop what he called "ethno-religious cleansing."
The Security Council on Thursday is expected to adopt a resolution calling for a force of 10,000 soldiers and 1,800 police to help restore order in the troubled country.
According to a draft resolution seen by VOA, the U.N. force will be operational by September 15, when it will take over from the existing African force in the C.A.R.
Six thousand African troops and 2,000 French troops have been unable to contain sectarian violence that has killed thousands of people.
Attacks by largely Christian militias have prompted most of the Muslim minority to flee their homes, with many going to neighboring countries.
During a visit to the C.A.R. capital of Bangui Saturday, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the council to act quickly on his recommendation for an expanded peacekeeping force.
He also called on the C.A.R.'s leaders to do more to stop what he called "ethno-religious cleansing."