EU to Send Troops to Train Somalia TFG

January 25, 2010 8:10 p.m. ESTTopics: Conflict, War and Unrest
Ayinde O. Chase - AHN Editor
Brussels, Belgium (AHN) - The European Union has approved a plan sending soldiers to Uganda to train Somalia's security forces. The decision was made by EU foreign ministers at a meeting in Brussels on Monday.
European officials are getting increasingly worried about he stability of the region due to Somalia's government inability to maintain authority. The region is rife with militant and pirate attacks.
The council of EU member has stated it remained concerned about the situation in Somalia and its regional implications. Therefore it agreed to set up a military mission to contribute to the training of the Somali security forces.

Spain will head the mission of 200 troops.The mission set to be launched in the spring would run in conjunction with the efforts of current forces already in the region. Currently the African Union, United Nations and th United States are bolstering the shaky interim government.
The waters off the coast of Somalia has been plagued with piracy and numerous vessels from various countries have fallen prey to their attacks and ransom demands. Islamic militants control most of Somalia. Officials say Somalia's government only firmly holds small parts of the nation's capital, Mogadishu.

Maritime officials say nearly 25,000 ships a year use the shipping lines in Gulf of Aden off Somalia's northern coast. Furthermore anti-piracy task forces say the waterway also boasts being the highest risk of piracy in the world.

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