East African Stand by Force Conferring on Plans about Maneuver in Sudan

The Eastern African Standby Force is holding discussions here in Addis Ababa about the maneuver it plans to conduct in Sudan.

The meeting which has brought together diplomats, military leaders and civilian bodies will confer for 4 days on ways of conducting the maneuver to be held in November 2017.

Foreign Relations and Military Cooperation Head at Ministry of Defense, Major General Desta Abchu told journalists that undisclosed number of soldiers, police and civilian members from the ten member countries will take part in the maneuver.

Recalling the conduct of similar maneuvers in the other member countries, Major General Desta said the upcoming maneuver is aimed at strengthening the capacity of the standby force.

Though there are budgetary and input shortages that arise from the low economy of member countries, the plan has not so far faced significant problem due to the assistance of certain bodies, he added.

In its meeting today, diplomats and experts of member countries have held discussion that will be followed by military leaders and defense minister beginning day after tomorrow.

Although the standby force that has 10 member countries has been carrying out maneuvers and capacity building works thus far, it has not yet started its peace keeping mission.