AMISOM: enhanced and extended to 2016?

(BRUSSELS2) According to Gary Quince, special representative to the African Union, interviewed by B2 during his visit to Brussels at the end of September, AMISOM (African Union mission in Somalia) should “ undoubtedly be extended until the 2016 elections, probably longer”.

« The events in Nairobi show that the war against the Shebabs is not over » he added. Extension " is necessary " because the " (Somali) forces are not yet ready, despite the training carried out by Europe and other partners”.

A week after the Somalia Conference and the European commitment to provide an additional 124 million to this mission, the diplomat asserts that it " must be reinforced", in particular by " the sending of men and military armament ". Negotiations between the African Union and the UN, with which the EU is associated, are already underway to define the future of the mission.

Read also: 124 million additional euros for Amisom