Cairo, Egypt – CCCPA held a pre-deployment training (PDT) for Egyptian peacekeepers who will be joining the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). 150 peacekeepers attended the training from 27 June - 1 July 2021.

CCCPA conducted the training in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Defense, in accordance with General Assembly resolution A/RES/49/37. To date, Egypt’s total peacekeeping contribution to MINUSCA is 1165 peacekeepers.

The training combines sessions on conflict analysis of the situation in the Central African Republic and MINUSCA’s mandate and is based on the Core Pre-Deployment Training Material (CPTM). Other 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 2566 (2021), MINUSCA's mandate is mainly concerned with protecting civilians and assisting the authorities in the Central African Republic in the preparation and delivery of peaceful presidential, legislative and local elections of 2020/2021. Other tasks include facilitating humanitarian assistance, promoting human rights, supporting justice and the rule of law and disarmament, demobilization, reintegration (DDR) and repatriation (DDRR) processes. MINUSCA's mandate also encourages the peace process through implementation of the peace agreement, elections, national reconciliation, social cohesion and transitional justice.

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.

Photo credit: United Nations