James Karuhanga
29 October 2009
Kigali — RDF and Burundian troops crossing the border at Gatuna from joint exercises by EAC member states.
The Eastern African Standby Brigade (EASBRIG) is this November set to conduct a field training exercise in Djibouti.
This was announced yesterday by Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) spokesperson Maj. Jill Rutaremara, who said that the exercise will focus on peacekeeping operations.
The overall commander of the two-week exercise will be Brig. Gen Frank Mushyo from Rwanda.
"It is already planned and Rwanda is ready to participate - even the force to go there is ready. The exercise will take place in Djibouti, from 16th to 29th November - and the Rwandan contingent will be led by Lt. Col. Rugumya Gacinya," Rutaremara said.
A Rwandan contingent of 176 soldiers excluding other staff officers will participate, according to Rutaremara.
Presently, EASBRIG's mission is to develop a fully operational multi-dimensional and integrated standby force that will be ready for deployment by 2015, with an initial operational capability by 2010.
The force will be drawn from the 13 member states - Rwanda, Djibouti, Comoros, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Somalia, Burundi, Sudan and Uganda.
EASBRIG member countries aim to develop a continental capability to respond to crises like conflicts and disasters.
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