AU gets 4 000 troops for Somalia

2007-02-06 21:07

Washington - African Union (AU) nations have committed about 4 000 troops for a Somalia peacekeeping force, and the first deployments could come as early as next week, said a senior state department official on Tuesday.

Uganda has offered 1 500 troops while smaller numbers are expected from Nigeria and Burundi, assistant secretary of state Jendayi Frazer told a senate foreign relations subcommittee on African affairs.

Offers of training have come from Rwanda and Tanzania, she said. She added that the AU force could evolve into a United Nations (UN) force within six months.

Frazer said it was imperative that the AU forces begin deploying before Ethiopian forces complete their phased withdrawal from Somalia in case a power vacuum be created in the interim.

The AU has said that a force of 8 000 would be needed in Somalia to ensure stability.

The United States (US) is providing $100m in assistance for Somalia during financial year 2007. Frazer said the US military is working with the Ugandans to provide airlift and command and control.

"For the first time in 16 years, Somalis face the prospect of rebuilding their nation," said Frazer.

"We have a real opportunity to help Somalis restore effective governance that is representative of the full spectrum of Somali society, said Frazer.

- AP