African Union Extends Troops Mandate in Somalia for Six Months

The African Union Commission has extended the mandate of the African mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for an additional six months with effect from 17 July, APA learned on Tuesday.

The AU has deployed Uganda and Burundi troops in Somalia to help the federal transitional government of Somalia to stabilize the country.

The troops, estimated to be around 2,600, were deployed in 2007 but the commission is still hoping to deploy more troops.

Nigeria, Rwanda, Ghana and Malawi pledged in February 2007 to send troops to Somalia under the AMISOM but they are still unable to send their troops due to political and financial constraints.

The commission reiterated its appeal to member states to provide the required troops and other personnel to enable AMISOM to reach its authorized strength.

Source African Press Agency

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