EU avails fund to boost Africa's security

THE European Union (EU) has adopted an action
programme that will culminate in the provision of up to
€750 million during the period 2014-2016 to support peace
and security in Africa.
This follows the announcement by the President of the
European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, at the Africa-
EU summit in April.
The funds will be channelled through the African Peace
Facility (APF) to support the African Union and African sub-
regional organisations in their peace and security efforts.
An initial amount of €325 million will be committed for 2014
and funding will rapidly be made available to support
ongoing peace operations.
Andris Piebalgs, EU Commissioner for Development said
since its creation in 2004, the African Peace Facility has
had a direct and positive impact on the lives of hundreds of
thousands of Africans who are affected by conflicts and
crises.
“Today's new and significant financial contribution
demonstrates the EU's continued commitment to supporting
Africa in its work for peace and security.
“The funding will allow us to extend the EU's support that is
essential for the success of ongoing African-led peace
operations such as AMISOM in Somalia and MISCA in the
Central African Republic," said Piebalgs.
The APF is a central instrument in cooperation between
Africa and the EU on peace and security.
The new action programme also introduces simplified and
swifter decision-making procedures for extending or
renewing support to on-going peace operations.