Participants at the just concluded Integrated Mission Planning Course (IMPC) 01/23 for the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) have been urged to collaborate for the success of peace support missions.
This clarion call was made by the UPDF Director Personnel and Administration Air Force (DPA – AF), Brig Gen Julius Bagonza, on behalf of the Chief of Staff Air Force, Brig Gen David Gonyi, as he closed the two-week training course at the United Nations Regional Service Centre, in Entebbe.
The course started on the 19th day of May 2023 and has been composed of the military, police and civilians.
The course was geared to prepare participants for participation in an integrated mission headquarters joint planning group or an Integrated Mission Planning Team (IPMT) so that participants can take up positions at the integrated mission headquarter during Peace Support Operations (PSO).
Officiating at the closure, Brig Gen Julius Bagonza appreciated the collaborative efforts between the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) secretariat, the African Peace and Security Architecture and the African Union that has enabled the course to take place.
He said the course has enhanced participants’ knowledge and understanding of the role and conduct of the EASF mission planning and integration in a multi-national and multi-disciplinary environment to enable them to participate fully as staff officers in future.
He expressed his gratitude to the Government of Uganda for accepting to host the course and its continued support to EASF.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Staff EASF, Col Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud from the Somali National Army, urged participants to profitably use the lessons learnt to enrich their capacities during Peace Support Operations.
“Integrated Mission Planning is not a one-time endeavour, but rather a continuous process that requires ongoing commitment and collaboration. It is through these collective efforts that we can build resilient institutions, enhance coordination mechanisms, and address the complex challenges facing our region,” Col Ibrahim said.
He commended participants for their commitment and enthusiasm. “Your active engagement, insightful discussions and collaborative efforts have enriched the learning experience,” he concluded.
The main course elements were; EASF Mission Planning Process for Integrated mission headquarter, Tools and products for integrated operational analysis and Operational planning exercise.
Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan and hosts Uganda, as members of EASF availed participants to attend the peace support operations course.