EIFORCES. President Paul Biya Vision in Peacekeeping
Created in 2008 following a presidential decree, the international school for security forces EIFORCES has proven its worth in the training and upgrading of formed police units to support peacekeeping operations in the context of the United Nations and the African Union.
Emmanuel NGOTA
Due to the capacity gaps noted by the United Nations in regards to African police forces deployed in the framework of peacekeeping operations, Cameroon and its partners were triggered to begin a reflection in 2005 on the readiness of a dedicated training center for formed police units and security experts for peace support operations.
Conscious of the security challenges plaguing the African continent and beyond, the head of state and commander in chief of the defence forces, Paul Biya thought it wise through his political will to contribute in strengthening regional stability by improving the security governance of African countries. Promote common standards among police and gendarmerie forces for peace support operations in the context of the UN and the African Union missions.
In the course of President Paul Biya’s reign in power Cameroon can chest beat and has taken pride in describing Cameroon as a haven of peace in a troubled sub region. Indeed when one looks at what is transpiring in neighbouring African countries, Cameroonians have every reason to thank the stars. Over the years however, the peace in Cameroon has grown more and more fragile and there is apprehension on what will happen when President Paul Biya eventually leaves power.
President Paul Biya’s vision in creating the international school for security forces is aim at promoting peace and security in Cameroon and the central African sub region which are essential for a harmonious existence. Everybody hopes for their children to live in a world where there is no war and only harmony. All the governments in the world allocate a big chunk of money to maintain peace and security in the entire nation.
Thus since its inception in 2008, this prestigious pool of excellence has contributed enormously in training, retraining and upgrading gendarmerie and police units to support peacekeeping operations; train and retrain civilian and military command and control squads in internal security missions and peace support operations likewise conduct research in the areas of peace support in internal and international security.
It is worthy of noting that, the international school for security forces under the command of Brigadier General Bitote Andre Patrice can chest beat for also preparing police and gendarmerie forces in the same way as the Bamako Peacekeeping School and the Accra Kofi Annan Centre. Right from the outset, France coupled with regional organisations, have supported this initiative, and has provided expertise for the development of its projects. The school has as cardinal mission to train 1000 gendarmes and policemen per year.