United States Commends African Nations for Support of AU Peacekeeping Operations

Strategic Insights -

The United States has praised African nations for their contributions to peacekeeping missions on the continent, with particular emphasis on the deployment of Ugandan and Burundian troops in Somalia. The US has also welcomed the strengthened relationship between the UN and the AU, which has led to improved communication and collaboration between the two organizations. The US has expressed its commitment to supporting the African Union's vision of the Africa Standby Force, and has provided over $940 million in support since 2005.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US commends African nations for providing resources, police officers, and troops to support vital peacekeeping missions on the continent.
  • The major deployment of over 7,000 Ugandan and Burundian troops in Somalia has improved security and saved lives across the continent.
  • The US supports strengthening the strategic relationship between the UN and the AU, and has welcomed the increased frequency of communication and collaboration between the two organizations.
  • The US has provided over $940 million in support to the African Union since 2005, with a focus on capacity-building through the Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance program.
  • The US is committed to supporting the African Union's vision of the Africa Standby Force, with a focus on building up capacity at the continental, sub-regional, and member state levels.
  • The US welcomes the ongoing simulation and evaluation exercise known as Amani Africa, which aims to strengthen the Africa Standby Force.
  • The US supports making more and better use of the AU Partners Group in Addis Ababa to improve donor funding for the AU Commission.
  • The US encourages continued efforts to operationalize the African Standby Force and will continue to support capacity building and resource-intensive endeavors.

Statistics:

  • Over 7,000 Ugandan and Burundian troops have been deployed in Somalia to support peacekeeping missions.
  • The United States has provided over $940 million in support to the African Union since 2005.
  • The US has a strong bilateral support to AMISOM's troop-contributing countries.
  • The US has increased efforts to deploy formed police units in Africa.

Sources:

  • Remarks by Ambassador Brooke D. Anderson, U.S. Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs, at a Security Council Briefing on Support for African Union Peacekeeping Operations, October 22, 2010 (America.gov/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX)
  • America.gov

(Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com))