Bush approves aiding African Union’s Sudan mission

WASHINGTON, Sept 24 (Reuters) – President George W. Bush approved $20 million in assistance for Sudan on Friday and cleared the way for supporting an expanded peacekeeping force in the country’s conflict-torn Darfur region, officials said.

Bush issued one order providing $20 million from a spending bill funding the Iraq war and reconstruction. In another order he designated the African Union eligible to receive “defense articles and services”.

The 53-nation African Union plans to send up to 5,000 troops to send to Darfur, where Arab militias are accused of killing, raping and burning down African villages.

Bush said giving the $20 million to Sudan “is in the national interest of the United States and essential to efforts to reduce international terrorism.” It was not immediately clear what the funds were to be used for.

Nigeria, which heads the African Union, hopes for $200 million in contributions from rich countries or help with transport and logistics.

Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin on Monday said he would contribute the equivalent of $16 million.

The U.S. Senate on Thursday backed a measure that would provide an emergency $75 million to finance efforts by African Union troops.