TANZANIA has reaffirmed the importance of peacekeeping training programmes within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), emphasizing their role in preparing participants for effective peace support operations.

Major General Idd Nkambi, the General Officer Commanding the Tanzania Peoples Defense Force, emphasized the importance of the SADC Regional Peacekeeping Training Centre (SADC RPTC) pre-deployment training during his address in Dar es Salaam yesterday at its official opening. The training aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful mission execution while minimizing risks and ensuring the safety of both personnel and civilians.

“This training programme is designed to provide essential knowledge and skills for participants to successfully carry out their missions, while minimizing risks and ensuring the safety of personnel and civilians,” Major General Nkambi explained.

He added that the programme addresses the challenges participants may encounter during peace support missions, ensuring they are well-prepared and supported for future deployments. "The knowledge gained here will be crucial for their success in future missions," he noted.

Major General Nkambi also reflected on the long-standing collaboration among SADC member states, describing the initiative as a continuation of the unity formed during the liberation struggles. "This initiative reinforces the strong relationship between SADC member states, fostering mutual benefits and collaboration," he said.

He urged the member states to remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts to support regional security.

Rear Admiral Gottlieb Pandeni, Commandant of the SADC RPTC, described the training as a significant step in strengthening peacekeeping capacity across the region. The event underscored SADC’s commitment to regional peace and security, marking a major milestone in fostering collaboration and capacity-building among member states.

“Today, we begin a national-level rollout of the peace support operation training programme, which incorporates both continental and regional lessons to enhance capacity,” Rear Admiral Pandeni said.

He explained that the programme provides a framework for standardization based on Training Centre doctrines and training standards, promoting cohesion among peace operation components. "The centre is mandated to build the capacity of member states' forces at senior and middle management levels, while member states develop forces at the operational level," he added.

Rear Admiral Pandeni also highlighted the importance of the "Train-the-Trainers" initiative as a key element of pre-deployment preparation. “This initiative ensures that personnel are effective, responsive, and capable of achieving mission objectives. Trainers must pass on their knowledge in an engaging and impactful way,” he said.

Brigadier General George Itang’are, Commandant of the Tanzania Peacekeeping Training Centre (TPTC), mentioned that participants from across SADC member states are involved in the training. “So far, participants from Mozambique and Malawi have arrived, and the remaining participants are expected soon,” he said.