UN Envoy Welcomes Additional AU Troops to Somalia, Cites Heightened Concern Over Continuing Violence

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations envoy to Somalia, Augustine Mahiga, has welcomed the decision by the African Union (AU) to send an additional 2,000 peacekeepers to the troubled state, citing heightened concern across the continent over the consequences of continuing violence. This move comes in the wake of the 11 July twin bomb attacks in Kampala, which killed about 70 people, claimed by Al Shabaab, a Somali-based militant group. The AU summit in Kampala also saw discussions on improving maternal and child health in the continent, with African leaders reaffirming commitments to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.

Key Takeaways:

  • The African Union has decided to send an additional 2,000 peacekeepers to Somalia, bringing the total AMISOM soldiers to 8,100.
  • The deployment of the additional troops is expected to be expeditious, with logistical support provided by the United Nations.
  • The United States, European Union, and Algeria are among the countries ready to lift the troops from their respective countries.
  • Deployment could occur within the next 30 to 40 days.
  • African leaders also discussed the need to continue improving maternal and child health in the continent, reaffirming commitments to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015.

Statistics:

  • 2,000 additional peacekeepers will be sent by the African Union to Somalia.
  • The total number of AMISOM soldiers will increase to 8,100.
  • There are currently 6,100 AMISOM soldiers from Uganda and Burundi deployed in Somalia.
  • The bombings in Kampala on 11 July killed about 70 people.
  • The African Union summit in Kampala resulted in commitments to improve maternal and child health in the continent.
  • The Millennium Development Goals must be achieved by 2015.

Sources:

  • UN News Service
  • AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com)