Cairo, Egypt - CCCPA organized a Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) for 370 Egyptian peacekeepers joining the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). The aim of the PDT, held from 31 January - 4 February 2021, 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 1155 peacekeepers.

Starting with a brief on the conflict situation in Mali, the training course is based on the 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 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 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 "Consolidating Peace, Security and Stability in Africa--VI (2020-2021)”, financed by the Government of Japan in partnership with UNDP.

Photo Credit: UN photo/ Abel Kavanagh