Moses Mulondo
28 October 2007
Kampala — The Burundi government has said it is ready to deploy its forces under the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia.
This was revealed by the Burundian defence minister, Gen. Germain Niyoyankana, during his visit to Uganda recently.
Only Uganda has deployed about 1,500 troops under the African Union Mission to Somalia.
Gen. Niyoyankana said the deployment would be in early November and added that they were mobilising logistics to facilitate the process.
Niyoyankana held talks with defence minister Crispus Kiyonga.
The meeting was attended by the Chief of Defence Forces, Aronda Nyakairima, the UPDF Chief of Staff, Brig. Robert Rusoke, and the permanent secretary of the defence ministry, Rosette Byengoma.
Kiyonga appreciated the solidarity and support shown by the government and people of Burundi towards the Somalis.
Uganda pledged continued support to Burundi in the post-conflict reconstruction and development, as well strengthening cooperation between the two ministries of defence.
The Burundian delegation appreciated President Yoweri Museveni's input as the chairman of the Regional Initiative for peace in Burundi.
The Burundi minister was accompanied by Brig. Gen. Salvator Nahimana, the principal adviser to the Burundi president.
Also present was the Burundian ambassador to Uganda, Jean Ngendaganya.
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