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Friday, March 11, 2016

GHANAIAN TROOPS HEAD FOR SOMALIA BUT DOUBTS REMAIN

Accra, Jan. 31, Ghanadot.com - Ghana is to send 300 soldiers to Somalia as part of an African Union Force to restore normalcy in the East African country following the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops.

However, A security expert has cast doubts about the deployment saying it was dangerous and faced serious challenges.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo, Ghana’s Foreign Minister confirmed the proposed troop deployment on his return from Addis Ababa where he attended the African Heads of State Summit of the African Union (AU). AU.

The Meeting also chose Ghana as the new chair of the continental body; the second time ever after Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

Briefing newsmen on arrival, Nana Addo said Ghana’s selection was a confirmation of other leaders in Ghana’s ability and demonstration of her commitment to democratic principles over the years.

The 300 soldiers are also going as a back up to fill the void created by the withdrawing Ethiopian soldiers after it became clear that the victorious transitional government - backed by Ethiopian troops was struggling to maintain control in a country that has known nothing but anarchy within the last 16 years.

Ghanaian military authorities are yet to decide on the deployment, but it is expected to be done rapidly to stabilize the situation in Somalia.

The AU says a stabilisation force of 8,000 troops is needed soon to help sort out the security in the country but the cost and other commitments mean only a handful of African countries have been prepared to contribute.

Only 4,000 of the required 8,000 soldiers had been secured at the close of the AU Meeting. But, President Kufuor it remained an objective to get the full contingent of 8,000 and moves were going on to persuade other African countries to contribute.

Nana Akuffo Addo said Guinea and Benin are been consulted to contribute troops.

Mr Emmanuel Sowatey of The African Security Dialogue is however, not happy that Ghanaian troops and for that matter African troops are to be deployed in Somalia.

He argued in an interview that it could be dangerous considering the fact that Somalia could be grounds for Al Quaeda insurgent attacks.

He was of the opinion that the AU contingent operating without the support of the massive UN logistical base could be a danger to itself and the numerous families concerned.

Ghana has a record of peacekeeping operations under the UN, ECOWAS and the AU in Sudan, all spanning over 40 years.

Accra ,Ghanadot.com Jan 31, 2007