African soldiers start first AU operation

The Northern Cape is alive with English, French and Portuguese as African soldiers kick off Operation Amani Africa II.

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Johannesburg - Language differences were forgotten as soldiers from different African countries jived together under different flags while waiting for the official start to Operation Amani Africa II.

The launch was carried out in English, Portuguese and French, and everyone saluted the AU flag when it was raised.

Africa Amani II is an African Union field training exercise which is being held in Lohatla in the Northern Cape until 7 November.

It's aimed at testing the operational readiness of the AFrican Standby Force and its rapid deployment capability (ASF-RDC).

It's the AU's first continental filed training exercise and involves 5400 soldiers, police and civilians from more than 20 countries.

“We remain grateful for your bravery and unwavering commitment amidst the security challenges that we face on the continent,” said AU commissioner for peace and security, ambassador Smail Chergui.

louise.flanagan@inl.co.za

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