The UN on Thursday approved a peacekeeping force of more than 12,600 military personnel and police to undertake a French and African-led mission in the war against Islamist rebels in Mali's northern desert region. According to the plan, the UN force, known as MINUSMA, will be made up of 11,200 military personnel and 1400 international police, and will begin their mission at the beginning of July. They will come from the armies of 10 African countries already present in Mali and will provide training for Mali’s security force, promote democracy, and support Mali’s government.