East African Standby Force conducts training exercise
The East African Standby Force(EASF) has kicked off its second field training exercise dubbed "MASHARIKI SALAAM II 2017" at the Gebeit military training base in the Eastern region of the Sudan.
A total of 10 Eastern African countries including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Comoros, Seychelles, Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti and the Sudan the host nation are taking part in the exercise.
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Speaking as the chief guest at the official opening of the exercise, Lt.Gen Yahya Mohamed Khair Sudan's Deputy Chief of Staff and Chairman of EASF Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff said the exercise will help the force complete its readiness towards carrying out assigned tasks with regards to Peacekeeping.
Dr. Abdillahi Omar Bouh, the Director for the force also highlighted the importance of the exercise to peace and security within the region.
"The exercise will enhance awareness of EASF within the region and beyond as well as maintaining and enhancing regional cohesion and cooperation,” he said.
The function was attended by officials from East African Standby Force secretariat, technical advisors, headquarters component commanders, planning element leaders, Sudan Armed Forces leaders and international partners.
Established in 2004, East African Standby Force is one of the regional multidimensional forces of the African Standby Force assigned to enhance peace and security in the Eastern African Region.
The force comprising of 5000 troops including civilians, police and the military is mandated to respond to cases of emergency in conflict ravaged areas in the region.
