The UK High Commissioner to Rwanda, HE William Gelling has expressed that it is essential the military and Civilians work together in Peace Support Operations because it generates effective response for Peace. He said this at closing ceremony of Stabilization and Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Course that ended on 20th May 2016 at Rwanda Peace Academy, in Musanze.
The two weeks training involved 25 military, police and civilian participants from five Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Partner States, namely Comoros, Kenya, Sudan, Uganda and Rwanda.
In his remarks, HE William Gelling pledged that the UK will keep on supporting such training in the region, to encourage participation in operations between Military and Civilian authorities.
The training was officially closed on behalf of the Minister of Defence by Brig Gen (Rtd) Andrew Rwigamba, the Director General of Foreign Military Relations and Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence. “The course will enhance EASF countries’ ability to conduct stabilization operations within the region, thus contributing to regional peace and stability”, Brig Gen Rwigara said.
He further emphasized that effective conduct of stabilization and CIMIC operations requires CIMIC operators to demonstrate the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior.
Brig Gen (Rtd) Rwigamba thanked the Government of the United Kingdom and the British Peace Support Team, Eastern Africa (BPST-EA) for their continued collaboration and partnership with the Rwanda Peace Academy.
The Director of Rwanda Peace Academy, Col Jill Rutaremara explained that the purpose of the course was to strengthen the understanding and capability of regional defence and security forces for conducting stabilization and CIMIC activities as part of Peace Support Operations.
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