EASF takes part in African Union’s Annual Civilian Strategic Support Group Meeting

The Easter African Standby Force took part in a continental Civilian Strategic Support Group (CSSG) meeting organized by the African Union from 19th to 20th September 2017 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The CSSG was established as a coordination structure to enhance the operational effectiveness of the civilian component in African Union Peace Support Operations (AU PSOs). It seeks to promote a common understanding of the relevance, roles, functions and responsibilities of civilian personnel in AU missions. It also serves as a coordination platform for the continental as well as regional Planning Elements and training centres.

The meeting seeked to stimulate a critical reflection and discussion around the role and contribution of civilians in high-intensity operations. It also aimed at generating recommendations on how to enhance existing support structures to civilians deploying in such scenarios in a coordinated manner.

The EASF delegation was headed by the Joint Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. (Dr) Charles Rudakubana accompanied by the Head of Civilian Component Mr. Steve Lalande and the Training & Evaluation Officer Mr. Ali Madi Mourdi.

(Below) Representatives from Regional Mechanisms and Regional Economic Communities during the Meeting.