The decision comes as the Caribbean country grapples with criminal gangs which have largely overrun the capital. A previous UN mission ended its years-long presence after a sexual abuse scandal and a cholera outbreak.

Germany has wanted reform of the UN Security Council for years. But its bids to join the exclusive circle of permanent members have always failed.

As the United Nations Security Council convenes, global food insecurity takes center stage with a looming crisis threatening vulnerable populations.

The situation arose when Russia vetoed a nine-month extension and failed to gain support for an alternative six-month plan. The UN-brokered lifeline expired Monday.

Thousands have been displaced by ongoing clashes between soldiers and M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo. Delegates from the UN Security Council have been to meet some of them at the Bushagara camp in Goma. Also, a new exhibition in Senegal bears witness to the suffering of Gambians during the 22-year rule of former president Yahya Jammeh. Finally, we sample the diversity of Cameroonian cuisine.

In Monday’s meeting of the United Nations Security Council, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov repeated accusations against the US, NATO and Ukraine.

The statement of the body's presidency was adopted only weeks after a Security Council delegation visited DRC. The eastern region of DR Congo is rife with dozens of rebel groups with conflicting goals and interests.

France warns that the UN mission in Mali is "in danger", a day after four peacekeepers were killed in an IED attack. Also, a powerful union in Tunisia throws its weight behind families demanding justice for relatives who died at sea.