UNITAR and ACOTA Co-train Nigerian Battalion for Deployment to the Republic of Mali

22 - 26 June 2015, Niamey, Niger - UNITAR’s trainers, complementing the African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA)’ military trainers in Niamey, Niger are delivering the pre-deployment course to the Nigerien Battalion due to join the UN peacekeeping operation MINUSMA in the Republic of Mali. MINUSMA’s Chapter VII mandate includes the protection of civilians, support to the transitional authorities; facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the protection of human rights.

The UNITAR training clarifies matters such as the mission’s mandate, the centrality of human rights protection and the standards and values of UN peacekeepers. Discipline and conduct are also elaborated upon. UNITAR’s specialized training course aims to acquaint and equip the military Officers and troops with United Nations principles, standards and practice as well as code of conduct when on the ground within MINUSMA.

UNITAR and ACOTA each deliver training programmes aim to enhance the soldiers’ capacities to align their knowledge, attitudes and behavior with United Nations requirements. The training is meant to facilitate among the troops a shared understanding of the basic principles, guidelines, and policies which guide UN peace operations in the implementation of mandates specific to countries targeted.

The training is conducted under the overall coordination of the ACOTA Country Manager for Niger and will involve about 800 soldiers including Staff Officers. This joint action is part of a long term collaborative approach to enhancing African Troops Contributing Countries’ capacities in participating in UN peace operations deployed in conflict-affected countries.

Photo: Picture from the training