New York  - The United Nations Security Council on Friday asked the African Union to increase the strength of its peacekeeping force in Somalia to 8,000 military personnel, so that it can carry out its mission of protecting key installations in Mogadishu.

The African mission in Somalia has decided to remain in the Horn of Africa nation until mid-March, at which time the council will form a new UN mission to take over the task of maintaining order in Somalia.

The new peacekeeping force would have expanded tasks, ranging from providing humanitarian assistance to protecting those involved in the political process and institutions of the future government in Mogadishu.

The current African force provides security to Mogadishu's airport, seaports and strategic areas as the transitional Islamic government struggles to maintain unity among the diverse political parties. (dpa)