DAKAR, March 1 - The United Nations has agreed with the government of Chad that its peacekeeping force will extend its stay in the West African country until May 15, the U.N. Secretary General's special representative in Chad, Victor Angelo, told Reuters on Monday.
That gives the 5,000-strong mission known as MINURCAT an extra two months after the force's mandate is due to expire.
"We had a meeting (on Monday) with the president and later with the prime minister, and we have agreed that there will be an extension of two months ... until May 15," Angelo said, speaking by telephone from Chad.
Chadian President Idriss Deby has said he wants MINURCAT to leave the country, while the U.N. says withdrawing it would endanger refugees and civilians and humanitarian efforts.
-Reuters
