AU Determined to Keep Peacekeepers in Somalia

The African Union has affirmed its intention to keep its peacekeeping mission in Somalia as Ethiopian troops withdraw and to boost its manpower in the face of precarious security conditions.The United Nations is also signaling a renewed willingness to support efforts to bring stability to Somalia - a nation virtually ungovernable for nearly two decades.A news release issued on Tuesday at AU headquarters reiterated the continental body's intention to back Somalia's Transitional Federal Government as it chooses a new leader following last week's resignation of President Abdullahi Yusuf.Somali and Western diplomatic sources said a number of candidates are jockeying for the post, as members of parliament try to name a successor within 30 days, as specified in the transitional charter.The AU statement acknowledged deteriorating security in the Horn of Africa nation, with fresh fighting leading to the death of dozens of people and a massive displacement of civilians.But AU Peace and Security Council spokesman El-Ghassim Wane said there is no plan to withdraw the 3,500 strong peacekeeping force, at least for the next few months. more.http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-01-06-voa56.cfm?rss=africa
No deployment of Kenya troops to Somalia
NAIROBI-Kenya will not deploy any troops to Somalia but is willing and ready to contribute in building Somali capacity through training Somali police, customs officials, immigration officers, army personnel, and border guards, Minister for Foreign Affairs Moses Wetang'ula has said.
In a meeting with acting President and Speaker of Somalia parliament, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nuur Madobe at a Nairobi Hotel, the Minister reiterated that President Mwai Kibaki supported the IGAD special summit to be held before the January 15 this year and that the developments in Somalia would add a new dimension to the agenda of the summit.Madobe on his part assured the Kenyan Government and the lGAD region that he will respect the Charter and follow its stipulations in electing a new President.He said that he respected the Charter and hence will not contend for the presidency.He further indicated his commitment towards making sure that the best candidate is elected as President of Somalia.Wetang'ula expressed President Mwai Kibaki's pleasure with the reassurance from the Ag President of Somalia that the Charter will be followed in electing a new President.