The Canadian Ministry of Defense organized a high level training on demining for 25 peace soldiers pertaining to 12 African countries to prepare them for their future deployment and assignments in the framework of the UN-AU Hybrid operation in Darfur. This training was organized for this contingent of peace soldiers of the African Union (AU) in Nairobi, Kenya and was delivered by Canadian military within the framework of the Canada Foreign Policy and Military Diplomacy.

Unit Commandants from Algeria, Benin, Egypt, Mali, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia participated in this training.

Commandant Mike Calnan of the Canadian Ministry of Defense indicated that this exercise, codenamed "Blue Bonnet", envisioned to train and prepare officers of the rank of Captain and Commandant to face challenges of operations in situations similar to Darfur. According to him, the "Tactical Operation’s Staff Course is grounded in the context of the global response to the crisis in the region of Darfur and in efforts at restoring peace in that region through peacekeeping training. He also made clear that this training should give the participants basic necessaries competencies to efficiently take part to peacekeeping operations in violent environments."

Also in the context of this training, AU soldiers were due to be initiated to the efficient use of media through notably live interviews.

Source: AngolaPress