The UN Security Council has extended the mandate of the mission in South Sudan for another seven months.

The Council has also increased the number of the peacekeeping forces.

The mission is still mandated to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian access and support the implementation of the peace agreement signed in August.

The previous mandate expired yesterday, but on the same day, the Council extended it until the 31st of July.

The mission was formerly authorized to slightly more than 13,800 forces, including both military and civilian police personnel.

But the number of forces will increase to 15,000 personnel, including the military, police and protection officers.

The Security Council has also extended the mandate of the interim security forces in Abyei until the 15^th of May next year.