US donates VSAT to AU Mission in Somalia

The equipment is expected to improve communication and coordination between forces in Somalia and its Head Quarters in Addis Ababa.

The system will be installed in the field in early 2008.

The VSAT was received by Ambassador Said Djinnit, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security on behalf of the AU, according to the US mission to the African Union (USAU). After accepting the donation Commissioner Djinnet thanked the government and people of the United States for their continued support to the AU's peace efforts.

It is expected that the VSAT communication link will create a direct, reliable and secure connection between personnel in the field and the AU's 24-hour situation room. It will link field officers to the AU staff both by e-mail and voice over IP, expanding and increasing the speed of real-time communication, coordination and reporting.

Fast and reliable communications between field and headquarters has been a major challenge in supporting the AU Mission in Somalia.

It was also learnt that prior to handing over the equipment, USAU organised and conducted a hands-on training program for nine AU military technicians who will be responsible for the day to day management and upkeep of the system.

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