The French ambassador to the United Nations says at least 10,000 troops will be required to put an end to the unrest in the Central African Republic (CAR).  The Security Council approved a resolution for the European Union to send 500 military personnel to assist the French and African Union troops already on the job.

The Security Council resolution expresses “deep concern at the continuing deteriorating security situation in the CAR,” specifically the vicious cycle of vengeance between Muslim and Christian militias.  EU troops in the capital city Bangui will free up the more experienced peacekeepers to move to other parts of the vast nation. 

“The ceiling of 6,000 soldiers of the African Union is considered now too low because frankly the situation is very, very dire and the country is huge,” said France's UN Ambassador Gerard Araud, implying that more action is forthcoming.  “The secretariat is now thinking that at least 10,000 soldiers are necessary.”