Aletta Shikololo
The defence forces of Namibia and Botswana will team up to conduct Exercise Hanganee II – a Battalion level peace support operation training exercise – in Gobabis from 15 to 26 June 2023.
The joint exercise is a collaborative effort between the two defence forces aimed at improving interoperability, enhancing military-to-military relations, and evaluating the effectiveness of the two sister forces’ rapid deployment capability within the Southern African Development Community Peace and Security architecture.
The exercise takes place in the framework of bilateral relations between the two countries, implementing the resolutions of the Botswana/Namibia joint permanent commission on defence and security held in Gaborone in 2021.
“Consequently, the resolutions of the 29th session of the Namibia/Botswana joint permanent commission on defence and security in 2021 provided an impetus to host the exercise in 2023 after its conduct was interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic,” explained NDF executive director Wilhemine Shivute during a media conference on Friday.
Shivute said Exercise Hanganee II is a significant step towards strengthening military cooperation between Botswana and Namibia, while also contributing to regional peace and security.
Approximately 1 000 troops from Namibia and Botswana will be temporarily deployed to several locations in the Omaheke region, with mission headquarters and one forward operating base at Mphe-Thuto Primary School in Tsajka, and other forward operating bases at the Drimiopsis Primary School and Nossob Primary School in Witvlei.
“Communities in the affected areas have been informed of the exercise and advised that there will be movements of troops and military equipment. Simulated emergency situations involving gunshots and loud bangs from explosives will be heard during the exercise, but no live ammunition will be used, and the public’s safety will be prioritised,” assured Shivute.
In addition to training exercises, the two defence forces will also host cultural and sports activities, career fairs, and outreach programmes that include free medical screening and treatment and other basic humanitarian services.