FORCE COMMANDER MNJTF COMMENDS EUROPEAN UNION AND AFRICA UNIONS FOR SUPPORT

The Force Commander Multinational Joint Task Force, Major General Ibrahim Manu Yusuf has commended the European and African Unions for enhancing the operational efficiency of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). Major General Yusuf made the commendation at the launching of the quarterly supply of petroleum, oil and lubricants in Sector 3 Monguno earlier today.

The Force Commander noted that the provision of a range of petroleum products including; Diesel, Petrol, Engine oil, Transmission fluid, Brake oil and Grease is courtesy of European Union funding through the framework of the African Union. Speaking further, Major General Yusuf thanked the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Head of Mission, Ambassador Mamman Nuhu for doing all the diplomatic engagements which resulted in the consummation of the supply agreement. Major General Yusuf also thanked the Strategic Support Cell of the African Union for putting in place a mechanism to ensure that processes met the requirements of the European Union.

Continuing, the Force Commander disclosed that the processes leading to the commencement of the European Union intervention began in 2018. He therefore expressed the appreciation of the MNJTF for the efforts of past Force Commanders and their staff in laying the foundation for the successful take – off of the programme.The Force Commander urged all Sector Commanders to ensure optimal utilization of the products in line with approved guidelines, adding that the MNJTF has developed strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance.

The supply of the products began on 25th June 2020, with the launching of the exercise in Sector 4 in Diffa – Niger Republic which was followed by that of Sector 2 at Bagasola, Chad on 3 July. The launching for Sector 1(Cameroon) is expected take place within the month.

Among the dignitaries at the event were the Commander Sector 3 MNJTF Brigadier General Ibrahim Garba, Chief of Operations MNJTF Col Mpay, Chief of Logistics MNJTF; Colonel Phillip Ebuk, the Acting Head African Union Mission Support Team; Mr Abdou Mahamane and the Senior Procurement Officer; Mr Paul Kimalyo, among others.