First Ugandan peacekeepers arrive in Somalia's capital
Ugandan peacekeepers arrived in Somalia’s capital early today to provide protection for the still-struggling transitional government and to allow for the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops who intervened in the country.
Two cargo aircraft, one carrying 16 Ugandan soldiers and the other carrying two armoured vehicles, touched down at Mogadishu’s main airport in the centre of the city, an Associated Press reporter at the scene said.
They were welcomed by top government officials and were expected to move to the seaport for the arrival of more troops and equipment.
The Ugandan troops are the vanguard of a larger African Union force authorised by the United Nations to help the government assert its authority. Ethiopian troops entered Somalia in late December when an Islamic movement threatened to attack the government.
“Ugandan troops complete with their military equipment have started to arrived in Mogadishu in compliance with United Nations’ resolution and African Union’s approval,” said Deputy Defence Minister Salad Ali Jelle, who was at the airport to welcome the troops. “We expect Ugandans to complete their arrival today.”
