United Nations Radio

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has reiterated his call upon Member States to provide financial and logistical support to the existing African Union Mission -AMISOM troops in Somalia, and for the deployment of additional contingents.

The Secretary-General's call came as he took note of the decisions of the African Union Peace and Security Council on 22 December 2008 to extend the mandate of AMISOM for an additional two months.
A statement from the UN Spokesman's office says the Secretary-General commends the dedication and courage shown by AMISOM personnel in providing security and humanitarian relief in Somalia, despite the numerous challenges.
He is encouraged by the readiness of the Governments of Uganda and Burundi to contribute one additional battalion each, and the pledge by Nigeria to deploy a battalion

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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