UN approves peacekeepers for Central African Republic

United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The Security Council voted unanimously Thursday to send 12,000 UN peacekeepers to Central African Republic, where violence between Christians and Muslims has triggered fears of genocide.

The resolution, submitted by France, will deploy up to 10,000 military personnel and 1,800 police to the former French colony, where sectarian violence has killed thousands in the last year.

The UN peacekeeping mission is scheduled to take over on September 15 from 2,000 French and 6,000 African Union soldiers already in place.

The resolution was adopted by the 15-member Council by a show of hands in a vote called by Nigeria, which holds the body's rotating presidency.

The US ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power and British ambassador Mark Lyall Grant both welcomed the vote in personal messages on Twitter.

The resolution authorizes French soldiers to "use all necessary means" to provide support to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Priorities for the new peacekeeping force include the protection of civilians and humanitarian convoys, maintaining order, supporting the political transition and promoting respect for human rights.

The European Union has promised separately to send 800 troops in its first major ground operation in six years. They are expected to become fully operational by the end of May.