The Deputy Minister of Defence, Thabang Makwetla is to pay a two-day visit to Ethiopia to attend the 3rd Ordinary Meeting of Ministers of Defence and Safety and Security at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa.
The purpose of the meeting for Ministers of Defence and Safety and Security is to consider the progress made in the operationalisation of the African Standby Force, and consider proposals for further implementation. The meeting will also be attended by African Chiefs of Defence and Heads of Security.
The African Standby Force was established by the African Union (AU) to support and keep peace in Africa. To this end, the AU has recommended the development of a common security policy and, by 2010, the establishment of an African Standby Force capable of rapid deployment to keep, or enforce, the peace.
Once fully operational, the African Standby Force will comprise of standby brigades in each of the five regions, and incorporate a police and civilian expert capacity.
Enquiries:
Sam Mkhwanazi
Tel: 012 355 6123
Cell: 083 628 0858
Issued by: Ministry of Defence
14 May 2009
Source: Defence and Military Veterans (http://www.dod.mil.za)
