The European Union (EU) has donated Command, Control, Communication and Information Systems (C3IS) equipment to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to enhance its operational efficiency.
It has also trained, in line with the agreement for implementation of its support, personnel of the force who would operate the C3IS equipment across the four MNJTF Sectors, according to MNJTF spokesperson, Col. Mohammed Dole, in a statement on Monday.
The MNJTF, which has its headquarters in N’djamena, Republic of Chad, is a joint military body formed by countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, to tackle terrorism in the region.
According to Dole, the MNJTF Commander, Maj.-General Ibrahim Yusuf thanked the EU for providing the equipment, which he described as “most critical to enhancing the operational performance of the troops in the field.”
“The C3IS project will enable conveyance of classified messages and communication through the secured net,” he added.
Yusuf said the EU’s support was closely related to the recent provision of Helicopters and Petroleum Oil and Lubricants (POL) to the MNJTF through the framework of African Union, and commended the EU for the display of resilience and vigour in the execution of the project.
The Force Commander assured the EU that all the support provided will be “optimally utilised” in accordance with the global best practices to enhance the operational efficiency of the troops, and urged Sector Commanders, who, he said are custodians of the equipment, to ensure proper utilisation, maintenance and safety of the equipment.
Yusuf implored the trainees to pay attention and apply themselves fully to the training procedures and processes.
“As the pioneer trainees, you are expected to learn and strictly understand how to operate the equipment, as you will be the one to install it at sector level”, he said.
He said MNJTF Headquarters had taken steps to provide alternative power supply at the Sector HQs in order to ensure uninterrupted power supply for the communication equipment.
The C3IS system is expected to enable rapid deployment of strategic and operational communication capabilities within the MNJTF Area of Operation when completed.
