CEOAFRICA gathered that United Nations peace keeping force in Mali which now has less than half of its mandated strength of 12,000 Military staff has appealed for more troops and equipment.

According to Bert Koenders, the force is faced with multiple challenges.

 The mission lacks critical enablers - such as helicopters - to facilitate rapid deployment and access to remote areas to ensure the protection of civilians. Troop generation will have to accelerate."

The UN peacekeeping force was dealt a further blow in August by the withdrawal of a large Nigerian contingent who returned home to tackle their own Islamist insurgency.

 The UN force is also replacing French troops, which intervened in January when Islamist militants threatened to march on the capital Bamako. This has left the force known as Minusma with less than 6,000 troops. Adding that, it is due to reach full strength with 12,640 uniformed personnel by December.