The UN Security Council has extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan until the 30th of November this year.

UNMISS has been authorized to use “all necessary means” to prevent violence in South Sudan.

The Council members emphasized that protection of civilians must be given priority in decisions about the use of available capacity and resources within the Mission.

UNMISS has also been authorized to monitor and investigate human rights, and support the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement.

The UNSC maintained the security strengths of the Mission to remain at 12,500 peacekeeping troops and 1,323, UN police.

It demanded that International humanitarian laws be respected as the mission and other aid organizations deliver relief services to those in need.

South Sudan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Francis Mading Deng told the Security Council that the government of South Sudan will continue to cooperate with UNMISS.

“Although our government has had some reservations on some of the elements in the renewed mandate, we hope that with our shared concerns and better communication, our cooperation will be enhanced,” said Mr Mading.

The UN Mission in South Sudan has also been mandated to ensure the implementation of early warning strategy and promote a secure environment for the safe resettlement of IDPs.

UNMISS has been protecting about 80,000 civilians who have sought refuge at its bases around the country since the violence began in Mid-December.