African Union To Expand Peacekeeping Mission in Sudan

African Union To Expand Peacekeeping Mission in Sudan

The United States welcomes the African Union’s April 28 decision to increase the size of its Darfur peacekeeping force. The current 3,320 African Union troops will expand to more than 7,700. The United States supports the African Union’s consultations with NATO on potential logistical assistance, and calls on all African Union member states to provide additional forces to Darfur quickly.

We view the African Union as playing a central role in resolving the crisis in Darfur and applaud its commitment to the security and humanitarian needs of the people of this region. The United States has already contributed more that $95 million to support the African Union mission so far, and looks forward to supporting the expanded mission. The United States will continue to work with the African Union and the rest of the international community to support efforts to resolve the crisis in Darfur.

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/455 Press Statement Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman Washington, DC April 29, 2005