The Eastern Africa Standby Force has begun a six-day verification exercise in Rwanda to assess the country’s pledged military, police and civilian capabilities….reports Africa Daily News Desk
The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has launched a six-day assessment of Rwanda’s military, police and civilian capabilities to determine their readiness for regional peace support operations.
The exercise, led by EASF Director Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, will verify the capabilities pledged by Rwanda to the regional standby force, focusing on operational readiness, equipment and personnel.
Speaking at the opening ceremony at Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Headquarters, Maj Gen Dr Ephrem Rurangwa, Chief of Staff of the Military Health Service, welcomed the delegation on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff.
He said verification exercises were essential to turning commitments made by member states into deployable capabilities, stressing the need for trained, well-equipped and adequately supported personnel.
Rwivanga said the assessment was part of the EASF’s routine verification of capabilities pledged by its member states. He said the exercise would cover military personnel and equipment, police units and civilian support structures, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He also expressed confidence in Rwanda’s preparedness and its ability to fulfil its commitments to the regional force.
Which military units and equipment will be assessed?
During the six-day exercise, the delegation will inspect capabilities pledged by Rwanda’s Army, Air Force and Military Health Service, including personnel and equipment.
On the opening day, the team inspected a Motorised Battalion, a Military Police Company and a Level 2 Medical Unit. It also assessed medical evacuation capabilities, including an Mi-17 helicopter and a Caravan aircraft.
The delegation is scheduled to inspect a Special Forces Squadron, a Light Infantry Battalion and capabilities pledged by the police component.
The exercise is intended to establish whether Rwanda’s pledged resources meet the operational standards of the Eastern Africa Standby Force and remain available for deployment when required.
The assessment forms part of the regional force’s efforts to strengthen preparedness and ensure member states can contribute effectively to peace and security operations across Eastern Africa.
