Western Sahara: Saharawi State Ready to Contribute to African Standby Force, Says Defense Minister

Addis Ababa — Minister of National Defense Mr. Mohamed Lamin Bouhali said that the Saharawi state "is ready to contribute considerably to the establishment of the African Standby Force (ASF)," adding that such contribution will be announced sooner.

Speaking in the 7th Ordinary Meeting of the African Ministers of Defense, Safety and Security, took place yesterday in Addis Ababa, Mr. Bouhali indicated that the Saharawi Republic (SADR) will sooner inform the African Union Commission about the size of its considerable contribution to the ASF.

"Giving the armed conflicts and various organized crime gangs ravaging our continent, SADR is convinced that there still needed a lot of serious action with regard to peace and stability, in addition to the protection of law and order," stated the Saharawi Minister.

The African Standby Force (ASF) is intended to be an international, continental African military force, with both a civilian and police component, under the direction of the African Union. It is to be deployed in times of crisis in Africa.