The role of AU forces is on the rise, as African leaders voted to send a large AU military force to South Sudan with a more robust mandate than the 12,000-strong UN protection force already in the country. After violent gun battles in the capital Juba between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those loyal to rebel leader Riek Machar last week killed hundreds of people, the African Union has proposed a new force to protect citizens and keep the peace, DW reports. The decision was made on Monday at the AU summit in Kigali, Rwanda, in response to a ceasefire between the main forces in South Sudan. At least 300 people were killed and tens of thousands were forced to flee their homes. “The UN doesn’t have the mandate to impose peace,” said African Union Peace and Security Commissioner Smail Chergui. “They are there where there is peace to keep. African troops are ready to engage in very difficult situations. It is our responsibility,” he added.
