On 21 April 2021, ACCORD attended the welcoming and induction of the new SADC Rostering and Training Officer, Mr Kaswamu Katota. This virtual meeting was attended by the AU Peace Support Operations Division – Capability Development Unit (AU PSOD-CDU) and the ASC Implementation Partners [Centre for International Peace Operations (ZIF), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and ACCORD].
Mr Katota was provided with an overview of the ASC Roster, outlining the ASC trainings and the ASC Induction Training. This platform also provided the opportunity for him to meet the implementation partners of the ASC, and understand their roles. Mr Katota has commenced the ASC Induction Training and will continue to receive support from the AU PSOD-CDU and the ASC implementation partners.
Participation in activities that focus on Peace Support Operations (PSO) capacity enhancement, is in line with ACCORD/TfP’s strategic goal of supporting efforts to strengthen the AU Commission, Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) and member states capability to plan, manage and implement, and liquidate PSO on the continent. The support is provided through the enhancement of the operational capacities and capability to ensure effective functioning of organizational systems in the AU/RECs/RMs and member states. ACCORD was represented by Miss Rumbidzaishe Matambo and Mr Wandile Langa.
The ASC is part of the African Standby Force, which is a critical element of the AU’s African Peace and Security Architecture. Through the TfP Programme, ACCORD continues to support ASC by providing strategic advisory services, operational and technical support, capacity building support by enhancing external relations of the ASC. The TfP Programme at ACCORD is an initiative funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For more information on ACCORD’s work relating to the ASC, please contact Miss Rumbidzaishe Matambo, Programme Officer, Peace Support Operations Cluster on rumbidzaishe@accord.org
