U.N. OK’s Peacekeeping in Darfur

The U.N. Security Council has approved plans to create a peacekeeping force in Darfur, but will not deploy the troops until Sudan agrees.  The force of up to 22,500 would “replace or absorb” the 7,000 African Union soldiers whose mandate expires Sept. 30.

(h/t: Think Progress)

Reuters:

The measure, drafted by Britain and the United States, is designed to allow planning and recruitment of troops for an eventual handover.

“While it is preferable to have unanimity, we are not going to sacrifice the need to take a stronger hand to try and stop the genocide in Sudan just because we can’t get unanimity,” U.S. Ambassador John Bolton told reporters.

Earlier this week, a top U.N. official warned the Security Council that Darfur was on the brink of a fresh humanitarian disaster threatening massive loss of life.

Link

flickr/spangleddrongo