UK commits more funds for peacekeepers

The UK said on Tuesday it would contribute a further £2 million (US $3.5 million) to help sustain the African Union (AU)-led peacekeeping force in Burundi. "This support demonstrates that the UK sees peace and security in Burundi as a vital component in our wider Great Lakes strategy," Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn, and Foreign and Commonwealth Minister for Africa Chris Mullin, said in a joint communique. "We firmly believe that the African Mission in Burundi [AMIB] is a significant step for African peacekeeping operations and we are pleased to be contributing to supporting it during this vitally important phase of the peace process in Burundi," they said. "This builds on our support to the 217-strong contingent of Mozambican peacekeepers, who are now on the ground and performing well." The AMIB was established following a 2 December 2002 ceasefire agreement between the Burundian government and one of the main rebel movements. Mozambique, South Africa and Ethiopia have contributed a total of 3,235 troops to the peacekeeping mission. The UK government said its contribution was in direct response to an appeal made by the AU to the international community for support for the peacekeepers. It said the UK had provided $6.4 million to Mozambique to help equip and transport its 217-strong contingent to Burundi.