UN Security Council approves 4,000-strong force for South Sudan

The United Nations Security Council has adopted a resolution, to send a new 4,000-strong regional protection force to South Sudan.

The resolution, proposed by the United States, was approved with 11 votes from Security Council members, with Russia, Egypt, Venezuela and China abstaining from the vote.

United States Ambassador to the United Nations for Special Political Affairs David Pressman underlined the key goals of the mission. According to Pressman, peacekeepers "will facilitate safe and free movement in the capital, will protect key facilities for the people of Juba and prevent attacks against civilians, the United Nations and humanitarian actors".

Pressman added that if the government of South Sudan obstructs this new force "the United States is prepared to support imposing an arms embargo on South Sudan."