27 Jul 2015

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) must prepare for situations when humanitarian assistance and disaster relief would be needed,  says the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi.

Officially closing the SADC Air Force Exercise Blue Okavango in Maun on Saturday July 24, Mr Kgathi also said there were possibilities of civil and political unrests in some parts of the continent,  and that the SADC region had to be equipped and prepared to deal with such occurrences.

The minister said Botswana remains committed to regional cooperation, and that the Botswana Defence Force would continue to engage in operations such as Exercise Blue Okavango.

Mr Kgathi also said the SADC region must prepare for situations when humanitarian assistance and disaster relief would be needed.

The minister also noted  that there were new trends of terrorist activities. He added that Exercise Blue Okavango was in line with the SADC indicative plan for the organ on politics, defence and security cooperation.

“The indicative plan has the overall goal of driving the positive interventions that can address the political, socio-economic and security challenges faced by the region,” he said.

He said Exercise Blue Okavango was relevant to objective number eight of the plan, which aims to enhance regional capacity in disaster management and co-ordination of humanitarian assistance.

He said global warming also posed threats to societies and economies.

The defence, justice and security minister said Botswana was happy to host the exercise as an army of 39-years-old.

He commended SADC Air Arm Commanders and all those  involved for the successful humanitarian exercise, adding that it was successful, and a platform for the air forces to sharpen their skills.

The minister also noted that about 5 000 people in the Ngamiland region benefited from the medical outreach carried out by the aviation personnel during the two week period of the exercise.

The SADC Aviation Committee chairperson, Brigadier Mojalefa Letsoela expressed his gratitude to the government for hosting the exercise.

Brig. Letsoela said the exercise was successful as evidenced by the participation of the regional air forces in the humanitarian aid operation to the Ngamiland region.

Botswana Defence Force deputy air commander, Major General Innocent Phatshwane said over 1 900 personnel from 11 SADC member states participated in the humanitarian aid exercise.

He noted that Exercise Blue Okavango followed Exercise Blue Zambezi which was held in Angola in 2013.

He added that  the next exercise would be held in Namibia in 2017.All the Air Arm Chief Commanders from the 11 participating states were awarded certificates at the closing ceremony. Ends