The mandate of the peacekeepers patrolling a buffer zone between the warring parties in Côte d’Ivoire has been extended for one month by the United Nations Security Council.
The short extension, approved late on Monday, will allow the UN and France, who both have peacekeepers in the West African country, to monitor progress at peace talks between the government and the rebels, which started in Pretoria on Sunday brokered by South African President Thabo Mbeki.
The conflict in Côte d’Ivoire, once considered a wealthy and stable role model in West Africa, broke out in 2002 after a failed coup attempt. Rebels have since controlled the northern half of the country.
A fragile ceasefire was shattered last November, when President Laurent Gbagbo ordered air strikes on rebel held positions.
The air strikes set off a wave of unrest, which led to the evacuation of thousands of foreigners from the country.
Tensions have again been rising in Côte d’Ivoire lately, and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said last month that the situation in the country may spin out of control unless armed militias nationwide are brought under control. — Sapa-DPA