TBD
African Union increases its peacekeepers in Somalia
African leaders meeting in Kampala, Uganda, have decided to send an additional 2,000 troops to the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia, known as AMISOM.
Ghanaian peacekeepers
The newly appointed United Nations envoy for Somalia, Ambassador Augustine Mahiga of Tanzania, says the peacekeepers are part of the troop levels that have been authorized by the African Union and endorsed by the Security Council.
He points out that there are now just over 6,000 AMISOM troops in Somalia and Tuesday's decision will expeditiously deploy the extra 2,000.
Ambassador Mahiga tells UN Radio that Burundi and Uganda whose troops are deployed in Somalia are ready to provide additional peacekeepers and there has also been a good response from other African countries.
"Guinea, for example, has immediately indicated it is ready to provide a battalion if the logistics of lifting that battalion would be available immediately. And there is also an immediate offer from Djibouti, and several countries are sending military missions to Somalia to see the extent to which they can participate."
Ambassador Mahiga says there are countries, such as the United States and Algeria which are ready to transport the troops.
He says the United Nations is working on contingency planning to be able to bring the troops to Somalia in 30 to 45 days.
Gerry Adams, United Nations
Duration: 1'27"
