In a remarkable international collaboration, specialist Brazilian jungle warfare operators have undertaken an intensive, three-week training program in the challenging terrain of Beni, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to better prepare Kenyan soldiers for the unique challenges they may encounter during peacekeeping missions.
The Kenyan Ministry of Defence (MoD) has hailed this joint effort as groundbreaking, marking a significant milestone in international peacekeeping endeavors and underscoring the unwavering commitment of both nations to enhance their capabilities and contribute to regional stability.
The Kenyan quick reaction force (QRF), a crucial component of MONUSCO’s Force Intervention Brigade (FIB), had the privilege of receiving training from the Brazilian Jungle Warfare Mobile Training Team (JWMTT), which is also a part of the MONUSCO mission.
Beneath the thick, unforgiving canopy of the Congolese jungle, Kenyan QRF soldiers, renowned for their expertise in jungle warfare, joined forces with their Brazilian counterparts. The Brazilians, armed with extensive knowledge of tropical environments and counterinsurgency tactics, aimed to harness the strengths of both units and promote seamless cooperation in confronting the multifaceted challenges of peacekeeping missions in hostile terrains.
Lieutenant Colonel Ambrose Mwabili, the commanding officer of the Kenyan QRF, emphasized the critical importance of this training. He stated, “Jungle warfare presents unique challenges that demand specialized skills and tactics. By sharing our experiences and learning from the Brazilians, we aim to enhance our effectiveness in our mission to protect civilians and maintain peace in this region.”
Brazilian Lieutenant Colonel Joao Carlos Duque, who leads his unit, echoed Mwabili’s sentiments: “Our soldiers’ diversity and our experience operating in the Amazon rainforest make us valuable partners in this endeavor. Together with our Kenyan colleagues, we aspire to set higher standards for peacekeeping forces operating in jungle environments.”
The comprehensive course curriculum covered a range of topics, including navigating dense foliage, mastering survival skills, refining patrolling techniques, and providing medical care in austere conditions. Participants were subjected to grueling physical and mental challenges, pushing them to their limits and preparing them for the unpredictable nature of jungle warfare.
As the jungle warfare course progresses, it is expected that the Kenyan QRF and JWMTT will strengthen their bonds, exchange invaluable knowledge, and emerge as even more formidable peacekeeping units. Their dedication to mastering the intricacies of jungle warfare reaffirms their commitment to safeguarding the fragile peace in Eastern DRC, offering a beacon of hope for the region’s residents.
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