RDF participates in regional field training exercise in Uganda

Rwanda has sent a contingent of 206 military and police personnel to take part in a Field Training Exercise (FTX) codenamed “Mashariki Salaam 2013” to be held in Jinja, Uganda from May 19-26.The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Charles Kayonga, who briefed the contingent departing for Jinja yesterday, urged them to be good representatives of Rwanda. “Bear in mind that you are going to represent your country. Take responsibilities seriously, act professionally, be disciplined and concentrate on the exercise themes.”The troops will be joining a regional multidimensional force comprising about 1,250 military, police and civilian components from 11 member countries of the Eastern Africa Standby Force, according to a statement.RDF spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Joseph Nzabamwita explained that the FTX “Mashariki Salaam 2013” is organised in framework of Eastern African Standby Force to validate procedures and lessons learned after the First FTX held in Djibouti. He said will help prepare the multidimensional force, which will exercise on the themes of peacekeeping operations; disaster management, counter terrorism and counter piracy, all relevant themes to enable EASF build capacity to address the threats in the region.EASF is one of the five regional components of the African Standby Force established by the African Union for the purpose of enhancing peace and stability on the continent. It is planned that AU Standby Force will be fully operational in 2015.

National

RDF participates in regional field training exercise in Uganda