The European Commission announced the EU decision of allocating €33 million to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). According to the Commission, the mission plays an essential role in securing the country on its path towards lasting peace, prosperity and stability.

€33 million more will be allocated to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The European Commission announced that the EU’s support will cover costs such as troop allowances, costs of the police and civilian component of the mission, and operational costs of the mission headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. In addition, the renewed EU support will allow AMISOM to continue to fulfil its mandate and to reach its total strength of 17,731 troops as authorised by the UN. In September 2012, €82 million were also allocated to the AMISOM.

The new funding amounts to €33 million and brings the overall EU contribution to over €444 million since 2007. Since late 2011, substantial progress has been achieved, as AMISOM, the Somali National Security Forces and troops aligned to the Somali Government have regained control of most of the capital of Mogadishu and other parts of the country.

AMISOM is an African Union-led mission, mandated by the UN Security Council. Its initial mandate includes the provision of support to dialogue and reconciliation in Somalia, the protection of key infrastructure. The mission is also contributing to the Africa-EU partnership on peace and security of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy (JAES).