This was revealed by the Minister of Defence and Security, Kagiso Mmusi when officially closing Southern Accord 2024 exercise that was held in Shoshong this week.
Since the beginning of August this year, the BDF and US military have been conducting the joint military exercise to enhance the capability of the BDF and US militaries in various areas of specialties such as special operations, air capabilities, logistics, disaster response, gender integration in operations, infantry skills training as well as to combat engineering capabilities training.
The exercise was carried out in the general areas of Gaborone, Thebephatshwa Air Base and Shoshong. Mmusi stated that the training underpins on the bilateral relations between the two governments which he revealed to have come a long way.
The Minister stated that the two governments’ areas of cooperation cover many sectors and as a defence and security Minister his focus is understandably on defence and security related matters. “At the defence and security level, was BDF and the US military we have military engagements, which seeks to share experiences and knowledge thereby sharpening militaries operational skills in line with Exercise Southern Accord 2024 objectives. I am reliably informed that the exercise objectives have been achieved,” he said.
Mmusi added that the training further enable readiness training for BDF and USA joint forces with a field training exercise and academics training, together with leveraging the exercise to improve training sites as well as supporting the local communities.
He further revealed that the exercise adds to the numerous military exercises that Botswana has conducted with the US forces. “Among others, I wish to mention that in 2019, Botswana hosted Africa Command (AFRICOM)’s exercise Upward Minute Man and African Land Forces Summit which preceded the recently held African Defence Chiefs Conference. This is testimony to the two countries cooperation in security related matters and pursuit of peace, stability rule of law in our countries, as well as horning and exchanging skills for betterment of our readiness when dealing with the forever emerging threats of today’s contemporary world,” Mmusi said.
The minister conceded the fact that the military operates under complex security environment adding that it was important that the objectives of the exercise are tailor-made to adequately prepare troops to be able to operate in the contemporary operational environment.
“My ministry will continue to see to it that the BDF is appropriately resourced and adequately capacitated in order to deliver on its mandate. That can only be achieved when we conduct exercises of this nature, where we commit resources and manpower to share valuable insights in military operations,” he said.
Mmusi said BDF troops should therefore consider themselves fortunate to have been allowed to co-host this iteration and interact with counterparts from one of the best and most professional militaries in the world. “This is a rare moment for anyone of you and you should forever cherish it as it is not every day that one gets such an opportunity. I wish to commend the United States of America for mobilizing resources to support this exercise. Remember that our nations depend on successful collaborations, therefore, it is my wish and hope that you will fully put into good use what you have learnt from each other in the past few days, inclusive of the women peace and security seminar which was conducted concurrently with the training exercise,” he said.
Giving vote of thanks, BDF Commander, Placid Segokgo commended the United States of America for mobilizing resources to support an exercise of this magnitude. He stated that through the USA military, the US government committed immeasurable resources, personnel and expertise to this exercise.
“Today marks another momentous event following the culmination of two weeks of continuous and rigorous training by our service men and women on this important field training exercise. It is indeed befitting for us to conclude some convincingly successful training where we had the privilege to test our physical and mental strength and train on important aspects which are geared towards enhancing our military readiness with this VIP Day and demonstration,” he said.
Segokgo added that the collaboration between the USA and Botswana specifically on defence and security matters has been a constant undertaking since the birth of our defence force.
He said this collaboration has been evidenced in manpower and equipment capability development through training and procurement of the same.
“The successful completion of exercise Southern Accord 2024 is a testament of the steadfast partnership of the two countries highlighting mutual trust and confidence in each other,” Segokgo said.
