AU Police Pre-Deployment Training Launched

The Eastern Africa Standby Force started the approved African Union Police Pre-Deployment Course at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in Embakasi, Nairobi, on 31st August 2021.

Officially opening the two-weeks' course on behalf of the Director Brig Gen Getachew Shiferaw Fayisa was the EASF Head of Peace Operations' Department, Brig Gen Henry Isoke.

In his keynote speech, Brig Gen Isoke thanked the Republic of Kenya for hosting this course. He also expressed gratitude to EASF Member States for availing police officers to take part in the training despite the current challenges caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The Head of Peace Operations' Department highlighted the importance of equipping officers with requisite knowledge and skills before they are eventually deployed in peace keeping missions. Brig Gen Isoke thanked the Friends and Partners of EASF, especially the Government of the Royal Kingdom of Denmark, for supporting the course.

The Commandant of the HPSS Col Philis Adukan Nadio welcomed the course participants to the institution and briefly outlined the structures which fall under the International Peace Support Training Center (IPSTC), the HPSS being one of them. Col Nadio reflected on the impact of training in terms of value addition in service delivery. She expressed her confidence that the objectives of the course would be met as planned.

The EASF Senior Police Adviser Deputy Chief Superintendent Bjarne Askholm thanked the mentors and trainers present, outlining the heavy responsibilities they would shoulder in the coming two weeks while steering the course participants along the desired path. According to the Senior Police Adviser, gender balance was one of the key points discussed during planning of the course. Deputy Chief Superintendent Askholm underlined the importance of enhancing a common understanding among peace keepers in a multidimensional setup where civilian, police and military personnel work together towards achieving a common goal.

The African Union Police Pre-Deployment Course has drawn 48 participants from EASF Member States, 6 trainers from the region as well as 4 mentors; 2 from Denmark and 2 from Norway. The course, which is funded by the Government of the Royal Kingdom of Denmark, is scheduled to conclude on Friday, 10th September 2021.

Photo Gallery: AU Police Pre-Deployment Training Launched