UNITED NATIONS – Britain is trying to galvanize international support for a new military and political strategy in Somalia that would intensify pressure on Al-Shabab militants and try to pull the failed Horn of Africa nation back from the grip of pirates and terrorists.
Britain's U.N. Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant said that Security Council experts are currently discussing a new U.N. resolution that would increase the African Union force in Somalia to about 17,700, up from 12,000.
Diplomats said Thursday the resolution will hopefully be adopted next week -- before Britain hosts a Feb. 23 conference where representatives from over 40 governments and international organizations are expected to adopt a new international approach to tackle Somalia's myriad problems.