20100720
allafrica

Addis Ababa — The African Union summit in Kampala, initially set to discuss ways to improve maternal and infant health in Africa, has been overridden by the issue of Somalia.

Somalia once again becomes high on the agenda due to the recent bombings in Kampala which posed a new threat in the region.

The summit proper opens at the weekend once heads of state arrive though ministers started meetings on Monday this week to prepare the agenda.

African Union ambassadors and ministers are drafting the documents to the heads of state meeting.

Various activities are also scheduled in Kampala including talks on the African common position on climate change led by Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. The meeting is set for July 24 to deliberate the African position at the Mexico climate summit later this year.

A group of leaders are also set to discuss the African Growth and Opportunity initiative Nepad, which was reformed to a new form of organisation last February in Addis Ababa.

A group of leaders are also set to meet to discuss United Nations reforms and the East Africa stand-by force.

However, the issue of Somalia will be high on the agenda and AU heads of state will have to endorse some other pending issues related to Somalia.

African Union peace and security commissioner Ramate Lamamran told reporters ahead of his Kampala trip that leaders are expected to authorise action plans recommended from regional blocs including the east African grouping Igad.

Mr Lamamaran declined to mention on the detailed security affairs to be discussed at the summit.

Sources close to Igad also said the issue of 2,000 troops deployment in Somalia, from Igad member countries would be discussed in a close-door session in Kampala.

This discussion may request United Nation Security Council to allow neighbouring countries to send troops to Somalia.

If it's accepted Kenya and Ethiopia may send their troops to Somalia under the Amisom peacekeeping project.

Another controversial issue to be discussed would be changing rules of engagement. Igad has proposed Amisom should be a combat force rather than a peace keeping force.