The Force Commander (FC) Multinational Joint Task Force ( MNJTF) Major General Khalifah Ibrahim has stated that the idea behind the African Union Continental Logistics Base (AUCLB) located in Cameroon is very strategic and timely in view of the security challenges facing African.
He also called for more support from the African Union Headquarters for the Continental Logistics Base to make it more functional.
The Force Commander, stated this while on a 5 days working visit to the Republic of Cameroun which commenced at the African Union Continental Logistics Base from 31st of October to Thursday 4th of November 2021.
The FC who was received by the Chief of the Mission Support Unit of the African Union Col Billy Winter and was briefed on the AUCLB and its mandate by the team Leader, Colonel Nanci Raoul who explained the role of the AU CLB in details and how they can be of assistance to the MNJTF based on approval from African Union Headquarters.
This was followed by an interactive session to facilitate better understanding of the AULCB and later a guided tour of the CLB where equipment in the Base were displayed.
The equipment included assorted military equipment including armored personnel Carriers , troop carrying vehicles, water tankers, and other combat support equipment meant for the African Standby Force that could be used to support the MNJTF and other AU authorized missions.
General Khalifah also paid a visit to the Honourable Minister of Defence, Republic of Cameroun, Joseph Beti Assomo in the Camerounian capital city of Yaoundé on 2 November 2021,
The Minister said the idea of the MNJTF shows the unity of purpose of leaders of the Lake Chad Basin region in combating the scourge of Boko Haram and terrorism in the area and welcomes the surrender of the insurgents. But equally warned that the fight is not yet over and there is therefore the need to remain vigilant and take the fight to the insurgents while reiterated the support of the Republic of Cameroun to the MNJTF in its noble cause of eradicating terrorism in the region.
The Force Commander’s tour moved to the Cameroun Defence Forces (CDF) Headquarters, on a courtesy call to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Lieutenant General Jean Claude Mekawas where he was received by the Deputy CDS, Major General Chemo Hector.
Major General Chemo Hector restated the commitment of the Cameroun Defence Forces (CDF) in partnering with the MNJTF to ensure that it achieves its mandate while pledging to also continue to support the AUCLB in its operations.
In his response, the MNJTF Force Commander pledged greater synergy and reinvigoration of the fight against the insurgents and briefed on recent successes in the Lake Chad region area with return of thousands of IDPs and refugees to their ancestral homes as well as reestablishment of civil authority to some key towns in the region.
He paid tribute to the gallant men of the CDF who paid the supreme sacrifice in the fight against terrorism and referred to them as heroes of freedom who would never be forgotten.
The tour moved to the 2nd Joint Military Region Headquarters in Doula 3 November 21 where General Khalifah met with the Commander, Brigadier General Eba Bede where Discussions centered on synergy and cooperation with the MNJTF in helping it achieve its mandate.
The FC particularly lauded the Republic of Cameroun for being a stabilizing factor in the region and a very committed partner in the fight against terrorism.
On the same day, the Cameroonian Commander hosted the FC and his entourage to a dinner attended by the Governor of the Littoral State, other top government officials and senior military officers.
This aim of the visit is improving synergy, visibility and operational efficiency of the MNJTF in its fight against the Boko Haram insurgents in its operational environment. This is in continued exploration of the imperative and positive impact of collaboration with national forces.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Military Public Information
HQ MNJTF N`DJAMENA CHAD, Colonel Muhammad Dole.
