UNITED NATIONS (AP) — France has circulated a draft U.N. resolution that would authorize a U.N. peacekeeping force to stabilize key towns in northern Mali and help promote a return to democracy and extend government authority throughout the conflict-wracked country.

Mali was plunged into turmoil after a coup in March 2012 created a security vacuum. That allowed secular rebel Tuaregs, who have long felt marginalized by Mali’s government, to take half of the north as a new homeland. But months later, the rebels were kicked out by Islamic jihadists who imposed strict Shariah law in the north, including amputations for theft.