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NIGERIA: WE HAVE ENOUGH TROOPS FOR SOMALIA AND DAFUR. May 8, 2005
Nigerian defense minister, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso told reporters yesterday his nation has enough troops for Somalia and Dafur region of Sudan. He said the decision to send peace-keeping troops to other countries lies with the African Union (AU).
Earlier this year Nigeria and South Africa accepted a request from Kenya to send troops to Somalia if necessary. Kenya hosts Somali transitional government which was setup in Nairobi last October.
Sudan is expected to send one battalion to Somalia while other African countries are planning to send peace-keeping soldiers to Dafur, southern Sudan.
Seven-nation east African Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is trying to help Somalia stand on its feet again.
Nigeria is now campaigning for securing a permanent seat in the Security Council and its involvement in the continent may boost its reputation as local super power. It now chairs the AU.