Sudan: US donates $116m to AU
2006-07-20 07:23
Washington - The United States will commit $116m to the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) in an effort to help relieve the humanitarian crisis gripping the war-torn Darfur region, says the state department.
The department said: "The US maintains a strong partnership with the AU on the Darfur issue, and we commend the efforts of AMIS peacekeepers and their leaders."
According to the department, the aid came in addition to $247m already committed to AMIS since 2004.
The new aid would help train AU troops to United Nations standards.
Last month, the AU said its poorly-equipped peacekeeping force in Darfur was set to quit the troubled western Sudanese region by end of September due to a lack of funds.
Between 180 000 and 300 000 people had been killed in Darfur and at least 2.4 million others displaced since fighting broke out between local rebels and the pro-government militia in February 2003.