African Union in peacekeeping troops pledge

African Union nations have committed about 4,000 troops for a Somalia peacekeeping force, and the first deployments could come as early as next week, a US State Department official said today.

Uganda has offered 1,500 troops while smaller numbers are expected from Nigeria and Burundi, Assistant Secretary of State Jendayi Frazer told a Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on African affairs.

Offers of training have come from Rwanda and Tanzania, she said.

She added that the AU force could evolve into a United Nations force within six months.

Frazer said it was imperative that the AU forces begin deploying before Ethiopian forces complete their phased withdrawal from Somalia to prevent a power vacuum in the interim.

The AU has said that a force of 8,000 would be needed in Somalia to ensure stability.

The United States is providing £50 million in assistance for Somalia during financial year 2007.

Frazer said the US military is working with the Ugandans to provide airlift and command and control.