Director Fast-tracks Preparations for FTX 2017 in Sudan

The EASF Director, Dr Abdillahi Omar Bouh, visited the Sudanese State Defence Minister Lieutenant General Ali Mohamed Salem in Khartoum on 10th May 2017. The aim of the visit was to discuss the progress being made in preparations for the planned Field Training Exercise (FTX) 2017 which

is scheduled to take place in Port Sudan in November this year. Ever since he took over the leadership of the regional peacekeeping organization on 10th April 2017, Dr. Bouh has been keen to ensure that EASF's targets are achieved within the planned timelines.

During the day's discussions, the Director emphasised that owing to the complexity and multi-dimensionality of Peace Support Operations (PSOs), conflict resolution efforts set the integration and cooperation among Military, Police and Civilian Components as a prerequisite. The planned FTX 2017 will therefore provide an ample platform to test, practise and improve on EASF's capabilities in generation, deployment, sustainment and recovery of a multi-national and multi-dimensional force.

Lieutenant General Ali Mohamed Salem reiterated that Sudan's commitment to the success of EASF's endeavours remains solid and forward looking. The evidently increasing regional cohesion can be traced back to the efforts of all players within the region in matters of peace and security. FTX 2017 will provide another opportunity for the multinational force to enhance the spirit of participation and harmony among the Member States, he said.

The host country - the Republic of the Sudan - is also currently serving as the Chair of the Council of Ministers for Defence and Security among the 10 EASF Member States.

Photogallery: EASF Director Visits the Sudanese State Minister for Defence