Namibia, Botswana militaries join forces
The defence forces of Namibia and Botswana on Friday signed a bilateral agreement for a peace operation.
The exercise will see troops from both countries deployed to several locations in the Omaheke Region. The mission headquarters will be at Ben Hur Training Centre and the contingent headquarters and one forward operating base at Mphe-Tutu Primary School in Tsjaka.
Another forward operating base will be stationed at Drimiopsis and Nossob Primary School in Witvlei where troop members will renovate school buildings and do medical screenings and outreach, sport and other humanitarian activities.
“Communities residing in the said locations are hereby informed that there will be movement of troops and military equipment. Some gunshot sounds and loud bangs from explosives will be heard as the soldiers will be simulating different situations. The public is, however, urged not to panic as no live ammunition will be used during the exercises. Caution will be taken not cause harm to both the public and the soldiers,” defence ministry executive director Wilhelmine Shivute said in a speech delivered on her behalf.
‘Excellent bilateral relations’
The exercise takes place in the framework of excellent bilateral relations between Namibia and Botswana, and was resolved during the 22nd session of Namibia-Botswana joint permanent commission on defence and security, held in Swakopmund during September 2021, she said.
The exercise was meant to commence shortly afterwards, but the Covid-19 pandemic interrupted it and pushed it to this year.
Namibia and Botswana recently signed an agreement that will allow their citizens to cross between the two countries without passports.
[email protected]
The exercise will see troops from both countries deployed to several locations in the Omaheke Region. The mission headquarters will be at Ben Hur Training Centre and the contingent headquarters and one forward operating base at Mphe-Tutu Primary School in Tsjaka.
Another forward operating base will be stationed at Drimiopsis and Nossob Primary School in Witvlei where troop members will renovate school buildings and do medical screenings and outreach, sport and other humanitarian activities.
“Communities residing in the said locations are hereby informed that there will be movement of troops and military equipment. Some gunshot sounds and loud bangs from explosives will be heard as the soldiers will be simulating different situations. The public is, however, urged not to panic as no live ammunition will be used during the exercises. Caution will be taken not cause harm to both the public and the soldiers,” defence ministry executive director Wilhelmine Shivute said in a speech delivered on her behalf.
‘Excellent bilateral relations’
The exercise takes place in the framework of excellent bilateral relations between Namibia and Botswana, and was resolved during the 22nd session of Namibia-Botswana joint permanent commission on defence and security, held in Swakopmund during September 2021, she said.
The exercise was meant to commence shortly afterwards, but the Covid-19 pandemic interrupted it and pushed it to this year.
Namibia and Botswana recently signed an agreement that will allow their citizens to cross between the two countries without passports.
[email protected]
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article