AU Force Verification Exercise Kick Starts at EASF Secretariat

The African Union (AU) is conducting a Force Verification Exercise from 22nd to 24th August 2017 at the EASF Secretariat in Karen, Nairobi, Kenya.

The Exercise is organized as part of the larger verification functions of the AU which aims to test the preparedness of all Standby Forces on the continent and their ability to respond to emergent security threats. It is a key milestone in assessing the capacity in terms of personnel, equipment and other facilities.

In his opening remarks, the EASF Director, Dr Abdillahi Omar Bouh noted that EASF attained Full Operational Capability (FOC) in 2014, a status that enables it to participate in Peace Support Operations (PSOs) if and when mandated by the African Union. EASF is currently focusing on maintaining FOC as guided by the Strategic Plan 2015 – 2020. He reaffirmed the commitment of EASF to contribute to regional and continental peace and security under the guidance of the African Union.

The AU Team was led by Professor Ibrahim Gambari. He commended EASF for the remarkable progress made so far, particularly in the area of capacity-building.

Specific tasks for the Ongoing-Exercise include physical verification on capabilities of the EASF Regional Logistics Equipment, EASF Planning Element (PLANELM) Headquarter Capabilities and the verification of Kenya’s pledged Standby Capabilities.

Professor Ibrahim Gambari was accompanied by members of the verification team from the African Union. Other participants included representatives from the Economic Commission for Central African States (ECCAS), Economic Commission for West African States (ECOWAS), the Northern Africa Regional Capability (NARC) and the Southern Africa Development Cooperation (SADC) as well as EASF.  

This Exercise will be rolled out to the rest of the continental Standby Forces in the coming weeks.

Earlier in the course of the 22nd day of August, the delegation had paid a courtesy call to the Cabinet Secretary for Defence of the Republic of Kenya, Ambassador Raychelle Omamo. The purpose of the visit was to inform the Cabinet Secretary of the continental-wide exercise being carried out bt the African Union.

Photo Gallery: The African Union Embarks Upon A Continental-Wide Standby Forces' Evaluation Exercise