Dispatch of Self-Defense Force Instructors to the Ecole de Maintien de la Paix in the Republic of Mali

August 4, 2009
Japanese

As a part of Japan’s ongoing assistance for the Ecole de Maintien de la Paix, the Peacekeeping Operation (PKO) training center in the Republic of Mali, the Government of Japan decided to dispatch, in response to a request from Mali, two Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force officers (Lieutenant Colonels Eijiro Imamura and Hiroaki Takano) as instructors for training programs of African soldiers and civilians engaged in peacekeeping operations or humanitarian activities from August 24 to September 4. This decision was made following the joint press conference on June 30, 2008 by then Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. At the press conference, Japan announced that it would make efforts to strengthen the capability of PKO centers in Africa, including by sending Self-Defense Force officers as instructors.
Recognizing that peace is indispensable for achieving development, Japan has been providing assistance for African PKO centers with a view to enhancing the peacekeeping capabilities and maintaining the stability of African countries. As is seen in the dispatch of these instructors, the Government of Japan will continue to provide effective assistance, not only by providing financial assistance, but also by mobilizing Japan’s experts and specialists in this area.

(Reference 1) Japan’s assistance to Peacekeeping Operation (PKO) centers in Africa

Since 2008, the Government of Japan has provided a total of 14.5 million USD in assistance to the five PKO centers in Africa (Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, and Rwanda), and additional 4 million USD in assistance are planned to be provided for by the FY 2009 budget. This assistance specifically includes the renovation of facilities, provision of computers and other equipment, as well as provision of training (in addition, 1 million USD have also been contributed to the PKO center in Malaysia and 1.5 million USD have been contributed to the strengthening of the capacities of Non-Governmental Organizations [NGOs] through the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO]).

Two Self-Defense Force officers and one civilian were already dispatched as instructors to Egypt in November 2008 and one Self-Defense Force officer and one civilian in May 2009. With respect to Ghana, one civilian was dispatched as an instructor in each of the three months of November 2008, February 2009, and June 2009.

(Reference 2) Japan's assistance to the Ecole de Maintien de la Paix (EMP) in Mali

The Ecole de Maintien de la Paix was established in 1999 with the goal of strengthening the peacekeeping abilities of African countries. Since its establishment, over 1,720 people from 53 countries have been trained there. Japan is carrying out 2.5 million USD of assistance over a three-year period from June 2008. This assistance is planned to be allocated mainly for personnel recruitment; IT system maintenance; and providing materials and equipment such as training rooms, desks, and chairs; as well as for expenses involved in training projects such as holding workshops regarding Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR), civil-military cooperation, and humanitarian law.

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