Cairo, Egypt - CCCPA organized a Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) for 70 Egyptian peacekeepers joining the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). The aim of the PDT, held from 25-29 July 2020, is to train and prepare peacekeepers before their deployment to the mission area. 

The training is a collaboration between CCCPA and the Egyptian Ministry of Defense, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1769 (2007). To date, Egypt’s total peacekeeping contribution to MINUSMA is 1216 peacekeepers (military and police).

The training starts off with a context-specific presentation on the nature of conflict in the respective country. The curriculum used in the training is based on the Core Pre-Deployment Training Material (CPTM), including UN peacekeeping principles, international humanitarian law and human rights, the rules of engagement, protection of civilians, the role of gender and women in peacekeeping, and preventing sexual exploitation and abuse.

According to Security Council Resolution 2531 (2020), the MINUSMA mandate includes (i) supporting the implementation of political and institutional reforms in the 2015 Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali; (ii) focusing on the restoration of State authority and the rule of law in the center; (iii) working on a “Pact for Peace” between the Malian Government and the United Nations ahead of presidential elections; (iv) assisting in defense and security measures in the agreement, especially those relating to a ceasefire, as well as taking reconciliation and justice measures to conduct inclusive, free, and fair elections. Moreover, other tasks involve the protection of civilians and promoting human rights along with humanitarian assistance without prejudice to Malian authorities, supporting projects for stabilization, weapons and ammunition management, reintegration of armed groups, and cooperation with sanctions committees.

Pre-deployment trainings come under the current CCCPA project "Consolidating Peace, Security and Stability in Africa--VI (2020-2021)”. The project is financed by the Government of Japan in partnership with UNDP.

Photo Credit: Flickr