Djibouti(Mogadishu24)-Djibouti has announced the deployment of its National Gendarmerie units for a United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic, following an intensive training program according to the State Media.

The deployment will be under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and is scheduled for 2025.

The training program, which lasted for two weeks, was aimed at preparing Djiboutian gendarmerie personnel for their upcoming mission.

The closing ceremony of the training was presided over by Colonel Zakaria Hassan Adam, Commander of the National Gendarmerie, and Colonel Murillo, Chief of Staff of the French forces stationed in Djibouti (FFDJ). Also present was Colonel Fabrice, Deputy Commander of the 5th French Overseas Forces Regiment, along with other representatives from the Djiboutian and French National Gendarmerie.

The training, which combined theoretical and practical exercises, focused on enhancing essential skills for the participating personnel. The Djiboutian National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN) played an active role in the training, which covered a range of tasks including setting up checkpoints, protecting sensitive sites, escorting military convoys and dignitaries, conducting rescue operations in combat, and handling mine clearance.

This deployment marks another significant contribution by Djibouti to international peacekeeping efforts. Djibouti first participated in UN peacekeeping in 1994 and has since contributed to nine UN missions. The country has also been a key contributor to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), with a contingent of 960 troops based in Beledweyne, serving as the headquarters for Sector 4, covering the Hiiraan region.