The East African Integrated Force (EASF), with all member states of Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan and the host Uganda has today, May 22, 2023, launched a two-weeks Mission Planning course at the United Nations Regional Service Centre in Entebbe.

The Chief of Staff of Air Force (COS-AF) Brig. Gen David Gonyi who represented the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, welcomed participants to Uganda and wished them fruitful deliberations.

“I hope you find time to explore Uganda,” said Brig. Gen Gonyi

He noted that the course is aimed at enhancing participants with knowledge of understanding the mandate and vision of EASF.

“As you are aware, our strategic leaders recognized the need for common African defence and security mechanism at the formation of African Union (AU), in 2002. However, we cannot fulfill our mandate without effective planning for our region,” Brig. Gen Gonyi noted.

He urged participants to focus more on formulating strategies that neutralize specific hybrid conflicts like terrorism, ethnicity, religion, election violence, clash of cultures as well as disaster management like floods, Covid -19, among others.

“There is no doubt that the commitment given to this learning process is a clear testimony that capacity building and enhancement have a place they deserve in Africa in general and region in particular. I therefore urge you to remain committed and focused to the main purpose of the course and what is required to support your facilitators,” said Gen Gonyi.

Gen Gonyi asked participants to be prepared when conducting mission planning and integration in multi-national and multi-disciplined environment, adding that this will enable them to fully participate as excellent staff officers in the future of EASF deployments.

Col. Ibrahim Mohamed from Somalia National Army who spoke on behalf of the Chief of Staff EASF said that, for this mission to be successful, member states must be adequately prepared. He urged participants to make the course vibrant, engaging and informative.

“Learn from each other as much as from facilitators, gain from each other’s wide experiences and knowledge. It is my sincere hope that you will benefit fully from the training,” Col. Mohamed said.

Gen. Gonyi extended his gratitude to the Head of State, and the Chief of Defence Forces for their commitment in preserving peace and security in the region.

The course is aimed at preparing participants to take an effective role as an integrated joint planning group (JPP) or Integrated Mission planning team (IMPT). And also take positions in the integrated mission headquarters during stage for all peace support organizations (PSO).

The course which is integrated in nature has the military, police and civilians. This reflects the core valve of Multi- dimensionality to create synergies.

The course’s main elements will include; EASF mission planning processes for integrated mission headquarters, tools and products for integrated operational analysis, and operational planning exercise to enhance their knowledge and the understanding of mission planning.