EU envoy speaks on cut in Somalia peacekeeper funding

MOGADISHU, Somalia-EU envoy to Somalia Ambassador Michele Cervone d’Urso has stressed strong partnership with the African Union Mission as the former slashed financial aid by 20 pc, Garowe Online reports. 

The European Union has provided AMISOM with millions in aid as part of ongoing stabilization operations in central and southern Somalia.  

“We know that al-Shabaab has not been defeated and we are committed to the mission but there are other missions to be accomplished in other areas and we have to give our support,” said Michele according to Kenya’s Star. Earlier,

AU envoy and AMISOM head Ambassador Fransisco Madeira disclosed that they were on charming offensive to get other donors on board.  

Troop contributing African countries receive $1,000 for logistics and wages, with each soldier in Somalia securing roughly $800 a month, handsomely contrasting cash to pays of Somali National Army (SNA). 

“Our partnership is still excellent. We remain hugely committed to Amisom and to fighting terror,” stressed EU Ambassador to Somalia.  

Moreover, he called for partners to gather on ways of enhancing the capacity of Somali forces: “That is what this country needs.

” Though EU still pays from last year’s balance of payments, exactly, the 20% that goes to the State would be omitted.  

AU previously expressed concern over the 20 per cent cut in payments for African Union peacekeepers in the East African country.  

Somali government forces aided by African Union peacekeepers dislodged Al Shabaab militants from a string of strategic towns in central and southern Somalia.

GAROWEONLINE