The number of peacekeepers in South Sudan has doubled since the conflict erupted, the United Nations has said.

In a press conference yesterday, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General gave the details of the numbers. She said there are over 10, 000 troops and 900 police personnel serving in the mission.

Ellen Margrette Loej said the peacekeepers have been active in containing violence in the Mission’s protection of civilian sites.

“As of last week, the total number of military peacekeepers stood approximately at 10,500 and their ranks have been bolstered by the arrival of new battalions from Ghana, Rwanda and Ethiopia since the start of this year,” Madam Loej said.

She said the mandate on the UN Mission in South Sudan has been revised with specific focus on protection of civilians.

She assumed her duties on 2 September 2014, as the Special Representative for the Secretary-General and head of the United Nations peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan.

Ellen Loej succeeded former UNMISS Chief Hilde Johnson who left the country on 9 July this year.