Sadc defence forces bang heads on regional logistics depot
Speaking when he opened the three-day meeting, Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Commander Henry Odillo told senior military officials from Sadc that following the creation of the African Continent Standby Force, the AU agreed to have standby forces in all regions of the continent to respond to cases of instability.
“For a Sadc Standby Force to be operational, there is need for the creation of a logistical depot and the establishment of the Table of Equipment (TOE) for peace support operations; hence, the meeting here in Lilongwe as directed by the Inter-State Defence and Security Committee (ISDC),†said Odillo.
West Africa already has the Economic Community of Western Africa States (Ecowas) whereas East African countries have formed the East African Brigade (Easbrig) complete with logistical depots.
“The Logistics Working Group plays a key role to enable the Sadc Standby Force to achieve its objectives. It is important for logistics personnel from Sadc to be meeting to strategise on their activities,†he said.
Odillo reminded delegates that peace support operations are conducted to maintain peace and security in the world; hence, the responsibility rests on each member State.
Member States are expected to discuss their contribution in terms of equipment or other logistics towards the creation of the logistic depot.
