Peacekeeping: June 18, 2005

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Encouraged by the UN and wealthy Western nations, another African peacekeeping force is being set up. Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Rwanda, the Somali Transitional Federal Government, and Sudan have agreed to establish an "East African Standing Brigade." This unit would be part of the African Union's "African Standing Force," a division size peacekeeping force for dealing with the numerous civil wars raging across the continent. Each nation will contribute troops, in rotation, for the "East African Standing Brigade," which will be stationed in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. The strength of the brigade is expected to fluctuate between 3,500-5,500 troops, and will be available for immediate dispatch to a crises area. Western nations are expected to provide assistance in training and equipping the troops. This brigade is expected to be ready for service in 2006.