Uganda has urged Belgium to maintain support for the African Union mission in Somalia as Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Belgian Ambassador Hugues Chantry discussed defence cooperation and mounting regional security challenges.
Kiwanuka made the appeal during talks with Chantry at the Joint Defence headquarters in Mbuya on Wednesday, with discussions covering bilateral defence relations, security in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa, and Uganda’s military deployments in conflict-hit countries.
The minister specifically called for “continued Belgian support” to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), where Uganda remains a major troop contributor.
The appeal comes amid concern over the sustainability and financing of the Somalia mission.
The European Union in April approved an additional €75 million for AUSSOM’s military component, mainly to finance troop allowances, non-lethal equipment and related services.
Source: Chimpreports
