UN Security Council gives green light to French army to use force Central African Republic 0512135.

The U.N. Security Council authorized French and African troops in Central African Republic on Thursday to use force to protect civilians, imposed an arms embargo on the country and asked the United Nations to prepare for a possible peacekeeping mission.

In a unanimously adopted resolution the 15-member council also asked U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to establish an inquiry into human rights abuses in the landlocked, mineral-rich nation of 4.6 million people, which slipped into chaos after Seleka rebels ousted President Francois Bozize in March.

Around 250 French soldiers are deployed in Bangui from their base at the airport, with the aim of “securing sensitive areas” and grouping foreigners into safety according to Jaron.

The UN Security Council vote authorises France, the former colonial power, to launch operation “Sangaris”. It will deploy around 1200 troops to help Misca, the African Force already in CAF, to try to restore order to the country.

There is a 2,500-strong peacekeeping force in Central African Republic deployed by the Economic Community of Central African States. The African Union is due to take charge of that force later this month and boost its size to 3,600 troops.

The U.N. Security Council resolution authorized the deployment of the African Union force for one year, with the operation to be reviewed after six months. It also asks Ban to set up a trust fund for voluntary contributions to finance the African force, to be known as MISCA.