Brussels, 29/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) is to receive a further €65.9 million to help it continue its peacekeeping operations, European Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs announced at the annual joint meeting of the Ministers of Finance and Economy of the African Union (AU) on Monday 28 March.
This support (AMISON V), the fifth of its kind since AMISOM was put in place in Mogadishu, is funded under the African Peace Facility and channelled through the AU. The money will come from the 10th European Development Fund. It brings the EU support for AMISOM to a total of €208 million since 2007.
“There is no development without security. AMISOM does a vital job in Somalia, ensuring that human rights are respected, citizens are protected and internally displaced persons and refugees can return home in safety and dignity. This additional funding will enable the African mission to carry out its role in helping to protect the people of Somalia”, the commissioner said. The renewed EU support will mean that it can continue to provide protection to the Transitional Federal Institution, assist in the implementation of the National Security and Stabilisation plan (NSSP), facilitate humanitarian operations and provide support to disarmament and stabilisation efforts.
The support to AMISOM is part of a multi-level EU strategy towards Somalia which includes regular assistance to the security sector through development programmes and projects, humanitarian assistance, naval security operations and security training. (A.N./transl.rt)