Menu
28/09/2015
UK Troops To Assist Peacekeeping Efforts In Africa
Prime Minister David Cameron has announced plans for UK troops to assist in peacekeeping operations in Somalia and South Sudan.
Mr Cameron made the announcement at a UN event currently being held in New York.
UK troops will support efforts by the United Nations and African Union to end destabilising conflicts that are prompting mass migration from South Sudan and facilitating the rise of terrorist groups in Somalia.
The Prime Minister has agreed that the UK will deploy personnel to Somalia as part of the UN support for the African Union force that is working to build stability in the country and counter the threat posed by the terrorist group Al-Shabab. The UK troops would provide medical, logistical and engineering support.
Further troops would be sent to carry out specific tasks in South Sudan such as providing vital engineering work to strengthen infrastructure and combat training and advisory support. This would underline the UK's commitment to a more stable South Sudan, where 2 million people are displaced and millions more are facing food shortages.
The government will now work with the UN to finalise these plans. Precise numbers have yet to be agreed but could involve up to 70 personnel deploying to Somalia and a total of 250 to 300 troops could participate in South Sudan over the course of multiple deployments.
Speaking ahead of the UN event, the Prime Minister said: "Our armed forces have a long history of delivering security and stability to some of the most difficult environments in the world, and I am proud to offer British support and expertise to peacekeeping operations in Somalia and South Sudan.
"As the world agrees ambitious goals to end extreme poverty, it is absolutely vital that the international community works together to shore up stability in Africa. And Britain – with our 2% defence budget and 0.7% aid budget – is more than able to play her part.
"Our commitment to peacekeeping operations will help to alleviate serious humanitarian and security issues in Somalia and South Sudan, helping to bring stability to the region and preventing these challenges from spreading further afield."
(MH/CD)
Mr Cameron made the announcement at a UN event currently being held in New York.
UK troops will support efforts by the United Nations and African Union to end destabilising conflicts that are prompting mass migration from South Sudan and facilitating the rise of terrorist groups in Somalia.
The Prime Minister has agreed that the UK will deploy personnel to Somalia as part of the UN support for the African Union force that is working to build stability in the country and counter the threat posed by the terrorist group Al-Shabab. The UK troops would provide medical, logistical and engineering support.
Further troops would be sent to carry out specific tasks in South Sudan such as providing vital engineering work to strengthen infrastructure and combat training and advisory support. This would underline the UK's commitment to a more stable South Sudan, where 2 million people are displaced and millions more are facing food shortages.
The government will now work with the UN to finalise these plans. Precise numbers have yet to be agreed but could involve up to 70 personnel deploying to Somalia and a total of 250 to 300 troops could participate in South Sudan over the course of multiple deployments.
Speaking ahead of the UN event, the Prime Minister said: "Our armed forces have a long history of delivering security and stability to some of the most difficult environments in the world, and I am proud to offer British support and expertise to peacekeeping operations in Somalia and South Sudan.
"As the world agrees ambitious goals to end extreme poverty, it is absolutely vital that the international community works together to shore up stability in Africa. And Britain – with our 2% defence budget and 0.7% aid budget – is more than able to play her part.
"Our commitment to peacekeeping operations will help to alleviate serious humanitarian and security issues in Somalia and South Sudan, helping to bring stability to the region and preventing these challenges from spreading further afield."
(MH/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 February 2015
600 New Properties Announced For South Wales
A housing association operating across south Wales is to build 600 new properties over the next two years. United Welsh borrowed £50m from M&G Investments to fund the developments.
600 New Properties Announced For South Wales
A housing association operating across south Wales is to build 600 new properties over the next two years. United Welsh borrowed £50m from M&G Investments to fund the developments.
21 January 2015
Insurance Firm Announces Hundreds Of New Jobs Across South Wales
Almost 300 new jobs are to be created across south Wales by insurance firm Admiral. The company has announced it hopes to recruit 150 in Cardiff, 100 in Swansea and more than 30 in Newport, for positions in its contact centres, IT department and law firms.
Insurance Firm Announces Hundreds Of New Jobs Across South Wales
Almost 300 new jobs are to be created across south Wales by insurance firm Admiral. The company has announced it hopes to recruit 150 in Cardiff, 100 in Swansea and more than 30 in Newport, for positions in its contact centres, IT department and law firms.
21 January 2015
Appeal For Information After Man Is Left Critical In Park Attack
South Wales Police are searching for a number of people in connection with a daytime attack on a 19-year-old man in a park in Cardiff. Police said the victim is in a critical condition in hospital following the attack, which happened on Monday at about 13:45 at Tremorfa park, Cardiff. It is understood the incident involved around 20 people.
Appeal For Information After Man Is Left Critical In Park Attack
South Wales Police are searching for a number of people in connection with a daytime attack on a 19-year-old man in a park in Cardiff. Police said the victim is in a critical condition in hospital following the attack, which happened on Monday at about 13:45 at Tremorfa park, Cardiff. It is understood the incident involved around 20 people.
23 January 2014
Man Jailed For Murder Over Ginger Insults
A 26-year-old man has been jailed for life for murdering his neighbour after being taunted about his ginger hair. Alan Storie has been sentenced to a minimum of 16 years for the murder of 41-year-old David Findlay, in Toryglen, South Lanarkshire, on 29 June last year.
Man Jailed For Murder Over Ginger Insults
A 26-year-old man has been jailed for life for murdering his neighbour after being taunted about his ginger hair. Alan Storie has been sentenced to a minimum of 16 years for the murder of 41-year-old David Findlay, in Toryglen, South Lanarkshire, on 29 June last year.
21 January 2014
Coach Carrying 53 School Children Involved In Crash
A coach carrying 53 children has been involved in a crash on the A48 in Newport, south Wales. According to police the coach collided with a lorry at the Tredeger park at around 11:45am as the school children returned to Pentrepoeth primary school.
Coach Carrying 53 School Children Involved In Crash
A coach carrying 53 children has been involved in a crash on the A48 in Newport, south Wales. According to police the coach collided with a lorry at the Tredeger park at around 11:45am as the school children returned to Pentrepoeth primary school.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
