Cairo, Egypt - CCCPA organized three pre-deployment trainings (PDT) for Egyptian peacekeepers joining the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). 84 peacekeepers attended the first training, held from 28 November-2 December 2021; 137 peacekeepers attended the second training, held from 12-16 December 2021; and 207 peacekeepers attended the third training, held from 26-30 December 2021. The aim of such PDTs is to train and prepare peacekeepers before their deployment to the mission.

The trainings are 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 1247 peacekeepers.

The training courses—based on the Core Pre-Deployment Training Material (CPTM)—begin with a brief analysis of the conflict situation in Mali and MINUSMA’s mandate. Topics covered include UN peacekeeping principles, international humanitarian law and human rights, the rules of engagement, protection of civilians, the role of women in peacekeeping, and preventing sexual exploitation and abuse.

According to Security Council Resolution 2584 (2021), 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, the promotion of 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 are held under the current CCCPA project “Enhancing Peace, Security and Stability in Africa--VII (2021-2022)”, funded by the Government of Japan through UNDP.

Photo Credit: MINUSMA/Flickr