The security situation has improved in Africa over the past three years,’ the Vice-Chairman of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mr. Erastus Mwencha, said.
He made the statement on Wednesday when meeting with the French Armed Forces’ Chief of Staff, General Georgelin, on an official visit at the headquarters of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Mr. Mwencha has, on this occasion, expressed his appreciation of the assistance provided by France in managing peace and security issues in Africa, including logistical support and equipments. ‘This assistance is especially all the more valuable as the challenges and threats are global,’ he said in a statement copied to APA Wednesday.
The visit of the French armed forces’ Chief of Staff was also an opportunity for him to assess the contribution of French forces on the ground through the EUFOR Chad, discuss the security situation and the conflicts that persist throughout the continent. Mr. Mwencha felt that EUFOR assistance was positive in so far as it helps ease the political climate in the region. He further noted that France’s logistical support and contribution to capacity building are important towards making operative FAA and AMISOM head of the United Nations’ reinforcements.
General Georgelin’s first ever visit at the AU headquarters has allowed both parties to review the role of France in supporting the African Standby Force (FAA) and the Euro Recamp/Africa Amani cycle. General Georgelin reiterated France’s commitment to contribute to strengthening peace and security in Africa through its participation in the training Recamp Euro/Amani Africa cycle as part of the Africa-EU Peace and Security Partnership component. To date, 30 000 French soldiers are deployed on the African continent.
