Uganda Concerned Over Amisom Cuts

Uganda has expressed its concern regarding plans by the United Nations  (UN) to reduce the number of Amison troops, with President Museveni threatening to withdraw his forces completely if the UN goes ahead with plans. 

The peace-keeping force stands at around 21,626 soldiers strong, with Uganda contributing around 6,400 soldiers. While the UN Security Council faces funding pressure and has proposed a reduction in the number of troops between now and 2020, Uganda has objected to the proposal on the basis that the Somali National Army is not fully prepared to take over responsibilities.

Speaking at a High Level Ministerial Meeting of Ministers in charge of Refugees in the Great Lakes Region in the Ugandan capital on Thursday last week the President is quoted as saying, “They recommended I should reduce the number of soldiers but I will not reduce even a single one, unless I take all of them out of Somalia.”

President of Burundi Pierrer Nkurunziza has also threatened to withdraw from the mission.