AFRICAN UNION TEAM INTERFACES WITH THE MULTINATIONAL JOINT TASKFORCE FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO ENHANCE ITS OPERATIONAL EFFECIENCY

African Union (AU) team comprised of 8 members conducted a Week Field Assessment Tour in Chad to consider European Union (EU) and African Union (EU/AU) additional support to Multinational Joint Taskforce (MNJTF). The team which was led by Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Chikonzo Brain was received by the Force Commander (FC), MNJTF, Major General Jide Jeleel Ogunlade at the HQ MNJTF. While, welcoming the team, the FC expressed delight for the timely visit and urged all members to brace up for fruitful deliberations. “The Field Assessment Tour is coming at a crucial time, considering the need to urgently review and renew certain contractual aspects that have direct bearing on the smooth operation and administration of the force” he added. Recommending that, the meeting should be regularly conducted, so as to bridge communication gaps in the areas that require swift clarifications and AU quick interventions.

In his response, the Team leader, AVM Brain said, that the team was in Chad to interface with MNJTF Senior Military Leadership Team (SMLT) to identify issues that are militating against smooth execution of EU/AU additional support to MNJTF. Speaking further, the Team leader was emphatic on the need for working together with all parties involved to proffer solutions to the identified challenges, with a view to enhancing the MNJTF operational efficiency.

As part of the lined-up events for the visit, briefs were presented by the various MNJTF Chiefs of cells, which were exhaustively discussed during interactive sessions. Equally the Team interfaced with service providers and physically visited the premises; where equipment and facilities of Air Mobility, C3IS and Hospital de la Renaissance are located. This afforded them the opportunity to inspect the facilities and engaged with all stakeholders, as well as considered and discussed all issues pertaining execution of contractual agreements in support of MNJTF.

At the end of the week assessment tour, the FC led the team to pay courtesy visit to and briefed the Head of Mission (HoM) of MNJTF, His Excellency, Ambassador Mamman Nuhu. The HoM expressed satisfaction with the level of mutual understanding and benefits the visit has afforded the two institutions. Ambassador Mamman Nuhu said, the visit has further acquainted the MNJTF SMLT with the AU procedure and processes, which will facilitate good working relationship and enhance synergy of efforts and collaboration to support MNJTF to achieve its mandates.

The team leader, AVM Brain appreciated the FC and HoM for the profound support and cooperation extended to the team during the visit. Stating that, the report will definitely reflect all the identified challenges and forward recommendations to the HQ AU for appropriate actions.