The ECOWAS Command Post Exercise dubbed ‘Jigui 2008’, which is designed to assess the capability of the ECOWAS Task Force Headquarters of the regional standby force, has ended in Abuja, Nigeria. The organizers have expressed satisfaction with the overall performance of the participants.
A statement issued by the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja said, Jigui 2008 enabled participants to assess the ability of the headquarters staff to manage the communication links necessary for peacekeeping operations. The Jigui 2008 exercise, the first of it kind comprise a Malian Logistic sub-command, a Nigerian East Sub command and a Senegalese West sub command as well as staff of the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja. Other participants are the police, gendarmerie and civilian components to test the forces operational procedures.
The Jigui 2008 falls within the framework of the African Union, AU, standby force which seeks to have ready by 2010 one force by each of the Regional Economic communities in Africa. The target of ECOWAS is to create a 2770 man task force out of the 6500 troops of the regional force which will be available under the control of the AU.
