Musanze, 26 August 2024

The RDF Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General MK Mubarakh has officially opened the Force Headquarters Staff Officers Training of Trainers Course at the Rwanda Peace Academy (RPA) in Musanze and will run until 6 September 2024.

The two-week course is funded by the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and is organized in partnership with the Rwanda Peace Academy (RPA) and the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) whose Force Commander, Brig Gen Getachew Ali Mohamed was also present 

The course prepares future trainers for the Standby Force Headquarters staff course as it is crucial for future deployments to AU/EASF-mandated Peace Support Operations (PSO) at the Headquarters level. It aims to maintain and enhance the command and staff duties' capability of the multinational Standby Force Headquarters Staff Officers.

In his opening address, Gen MK Mubarakh, The RDF Chief of Defence Staff underscored the significance of the Training of Trainers Course, stating, "This training will not only build your capacity to design, develop, and deliver training to other military personnel earmarked for future deployments as staff officers to AU Peace Support Operations, but also enhance your confidence and facilitation skills. Conducting TOT courses is vital for developing internal capacity within our member states and the EASF region, as its multiplier effect expands and strengthens the pool of trainers." 

Brig Gen Getachew Ali Mohamed EASF Force Commander, highlighted the importance of training and capacity building in enhancing Staff Officers' performance. "Training and capacity building are essential tools to improve the efficiency of Staff Officers," he noted during his remarks. 

The course is being attended by military personnel from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Uganda, and the Eastern Africa Standby Force Headquarters.