AU secures EU fund for the Mission in Somalia

AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Smail Chergui, has  signed the fifteenth contract for financial support to the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) with the European Union.

The contract covers the period from 1st January to 30th September 2016 and provides funds amounting to 178 million Euro (one hundred seventy eighth million Euro).

According to statement by AU, the EU fund will be used to cover allowances for AMISOM troops and police, international and local civilian staff salaries, as well as operational costs of the Mission.

The statement says AU welcomes this encouraging development which is the result of the continuous and fruitful consultations between AU and EU on the enhancement of the logistical and financial support to AMISOM.

It said It should be reiterated that this renewed financial support to AMISOM comes at a critical moment when AMISOM is engaged in major offensive operations and the preparation of the elections in Somalia.