The Africa Union has received a US$1.2 million from China to support the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
At the handover ceremony Ambassador Smail Chergui, the Commissioner for Peace and Security, signed on behalf of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, while the Ambassador Kuang Weilin of the Chinese Mission to the AU signed on behalf of his country.
China donated the same amount in 2015, in addition to several other donations in kind for the AU troops in Somalia.
In his remarks, the Chinese Ambassador reiterated China’s commitment to continue to support the AU in promoting peace and stability in the continent as well as to enhance relationship and cooperation between China and the AU.
On his part Ambassador Smail Chergui expressed gratitude to China and indicated that the donation comes at a critical moment where AMISOM needs additional support for its engagement in Somalia.
He also informed that the donation is earmarked for future operations and reiterated the need for other partners to strengthen and coordinate their support to AMISOM and the Somali national security forces.
It should be recalled that other partners, notably the European Union have scaled down on financial support accorded to Amisom, in the process affecting remunerations to the peacekeepers, whose emoluments were reduced by US$200.
