AU force to expand military operations in Somalia

The African Union says it wants to extend and expand its military operation in Somalia, where AU troops have been fighting Islamist militants for 14 years.

The AU said the new mission would be run jointly with the United Nations.

It said the expanded Amisom force would include soldiers from other African countries.

The plan needs to be endorsed by the UN and the Somali government, which has previously rejected AU proposals.

Ethiopia, which contributes thousands of soldiers to Amisom, is facing serious security challenges at home.

Kenya is also reported to be considering a military drawdown.

source: bbc