Kampala - The African Union (UN) has appealed to the UN Security Council and international community to help in capacity building and resources mobilisation to stabilise war-torn Somalia.
Erastus Mwencha, Deputy AU Commission Chairperson, told reporters on the sideline of the AU Summit currently underway in Kampala amidst tight security, that many African countries have courage and commitment for peacekeeping missions in the Horn of the Africa country but lack capacity.
"We appeal to the international community to put more resources and funds," said Mwencha at a media briefing on Tuesday.
Uganda and Burundi are the only countries contributing about 4 300 peacekeepers to Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somali (AMISOM). Security experts have recommended a 27 000-strong peacekeeping force to pacify the situation in the country.
He said the situation in Somalia was critical for the peace, security and the stability of the continent and the world at large.
"The issue of Somalia is so critical. Children can't go to school; women can't access health services and several people are being killed daily. For how long can we continue with this situation?" asked Mwencha.
He said the commission is also lobbying funds for peacekeeping missions in the Darfur region in Sudan and stabilising Madagascar.
The summit, being held under the theme "Maternal, Infant and Child Health and Development in Africa", enters its third day at Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo, in a Kampala suburb. Other issues to be discussed in the nine-day summit include peace and security, infrastructure, energy, agriculture and food security.
The 20th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council convenes from 22 to 23 July and the 15th Ordinary Session of Assembly of Heads of State and Government will be held from 25 to 27 July.
