March-31-10
Germany will contribute up to 20 soldiers to an EU mission to train Somali government forces in East Africa.
Government spokesman Christoph Steegmans said the Cabinet approved Germany's participation Wednesday. The German soldiers will be deployed in May and remain in East Africa for a year.
The mission _ made up of around 100 European military experts _ will train around 2,000 Somali soldiers in nearby Uganda.
The training is part of a wider international effort to help stabilize Somalia's fledgeling government, which faces a rebellion by Islamic militants.
The country has been without a functional government and army since 1991, when warlords overthrew longtime dictator Siad Barre before turning on each other.
Source:AP