The Force Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim has rounded up his five-day working visit to Cameroon.
The visit is said to be part of concerted efforts geared towards increasing the effectiveness and efficiency in the fight against insurgents within the Lake Chad Basin ambience.
The visit spanned from 31st of October to November 4th. It commenced at the African Union Continental Logistics Base (AU CLB) in Douala.
The FC and his entourage were received by Colonel Billy Winter, the Chief of the Mission Support Unit (MSU) of the AU and members of his team.
Thereafter, the FC and his entourage were given 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.
He praised the idea of the AU CLB which he said was very strategic and timely in view of the security challenges Africa faces. He called for more support by the AU Headquarters for the AU CLB to make it more functional.
The tour continued on the second day in the Cameroonian capital city of Yaoundé. The FC paid a courtesy call to the Cameroonian Minister of Defence, Beti Assomou Joseph. The Minister congratulated the FC on his appointment as FC MNJTF and wished him a successful tour of duty.
He 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. He welcomed the surrender of the insurgents but warned that the fight is not yet over and there is therefore the need to remain vigilant and take the fight to the insurgents.
He reiterated the support of the Republic of Cameroon to the MNJTF in its noble cause of eradicating terrorism in the region. The FC also visited the Cameroon Defence Forces (CDF) Headquarters where he met the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt Gen Jean Claude Meka, represented by the Deputy CDS , Maj. Gen Chemo Hector.
He congratulated the FC on his appointment and restated the commitment of the CDF in partnering with the MNJTF to ensure that it achieves its mandate. He pledged to also continue to support the AU CLB in its operations.
The tour was rounded up with a visit to the 2nd Joint Military Region Headquarters in Doula, yesterday. The discussions revolved around the need for more synergy in the fight to rid the region of criminal elements, in whatever guise. Brig Gen. Eba Bede stated his commitment to co-operating with the MNJTF to ensure it attains its mandate.
The FC said the Republic of Cameroon is a stabilizing factor in the region and a very committed partner in the fight against terrorism.
First published in Eons Intelligence
