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Ethiopia among leading troop contributing countries to UN

Tigrai Online
April. 16 2011

Ethiopia is listed tenth highest country in terms of contribution of military and police contributions to UN peacekeeping operations, according to the UN annual review report.

This was revealed, when the UN on Thursday launched its “Global Peace Operations 2011 Review Report” in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, first ever to be declared in the African continent.

Vice Counselor at the Embassy of Germanyin Ethiopia, Michael Biontino, said at the occasion that UN peacekeeping forces would extend their operations in Africa.

Biontino said that global UN peacekeeping missions faced the challenges of shortages of troop contributions and financial funds to peace keeping missions. However, he said there had recently been an increase in commitments from member countries, which is enabling to missions to be accomplished successfully.

He said UN missions have carried out their mandates in Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan.

Ethiopia, currently has sent a total of 2,368 peace keeping force, fourth largest in the continent after Egypt, Nigeria, Rwanda and Ghana, which according to the report are ranked third, fourth, seventh and eighth respectively.

Ethiopia has contingent of peacekeeping officers serving in Darfur with the joint African Union and United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur. The peace force has in the past received UN Medals in recognition to their outstanding service in bringing relative peace and stability in western Darfur.

The Ethiopian troops provide transport service; conduct security patrols within their area of responsibility, to enhance security and encourage confidence within the local population, conduct escorts for humanitarian convoys and accomplish other peacekeeping related operations.