The European Union says it will contribute $100 million to an African force in Sudan's troubled Darfur region.
EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said during a visit to Ethiopia Saturday the money will cover half of the cost of the African mission. He said the EU will formally approve the amount on Monday.
His announcement comes just several days after the African Union agreed to increase its force in Darfur by about 3,000 troops.
Friday, the U.S. Air Force sent three cargo planes to Africa to help transport African soldiers to Darfur as part of the expanded mission.
The United Nations estimates that fighting in Darfur between pro-government Arab militias and rebels has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced 1.5 million others.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.