Ban Ki-moon, secretary-general of the United Nations, has proposed an 11,200-strong peacekeeping force in Mali. The force, proposed by Ban on Tuesday, would work alongside non-UN forces to conduct major combat and counter-terrorism operations as one option to maintain security after French forces leave the West African nation. “Although the extremists and criminal elements have been dealt a heavy blow, they continue to pose a significant threat to the safety and security of the civilian population and any United Nations personnel deployed in Mali”, the UN chief said in a report to the Security Council. Ban said the option would give the African-led force in Mali, AFISMA, a combat role and expand the UN political mission. The United Nations would work with the African Union and others to rapidly build up and improve the operational capabilities of the African force. Another option presented by Ban, would be to strengthen the UN’s new political mission in Mali and give the African-led force in Mali known as AFISMA, responsibility for security and offencive combat operations, in advance of a UN stabilisation mission.
