Cairo, Egypt - CCCPA organized a Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) for 59 Egyptian peacekeepers joining the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). The aim of the PDT, held from 26-29 June 2022, 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 1240 peacekeepers.

Starting with a brief on the conflict situation in Mali, the training course is based on the UN’s Core Pre-Deployment Training Material (CPTM). 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 2640 (2022), 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) assisting in defense and security measures, 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 the promotion of human rights along with humanitarian assistance, 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)”, financed by the Government of Japan in partnership with UNDP.