The Security Council has extended the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Abyei until July.

The previous mandate expired this month.

It says the extension is part of the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and protect civilians in the disputed territory.

The 15-member body says continuing tensions in Abyei still constituted a serious threat to international peace and security.

Among other measures, the council reiterated its demand that Sudan and South Sudan immediately resume the work of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee, AJOC.

The two countries have not agreed on how to conduct a referendum to determine the status of the region.