US calls for cut in UN peacekeeping forces in Mali

The United States has called for a new approach to address the growing instability in Mali.

The US deputy ambassador to the UN Security Council, Cherith Norman, called for the 15,000 strong peacekeeping force to be reduced in size.

Norman said it was time to recognise that peacekeeping missions were not the answer to growing terrorist threats in Mali.

She also criticized both the government and armed groups for failing to implement a 2015 peace deal.

The comments are likely to concern France which is leading the international military effort against Islamist Militants in the Sahel region.

France has been calling for more countries to commit troops and resources to address the growing insecurity there.