The US Army has begun deploying in Ghana and Senegal for the second phase of a programme to train and equip West African peacekeeping troops for service with the United Nations missions, PANA reported Wednesday. It did not say when the deployment started.
Some 150 US instructors will train the troops in the use of tactical equipment, combat lifesaving medical applications, small-unit tactics and human rights.
Two Nigerian battalions that have completed the programme, called Operation Focus Relief, have already been deployed to serve with UN forces in Sierra Leone.
Former US President Bill Clinton initiated the programme after Sierra Leone’s Revolutionary United Front rebels detained 500 UN troops in May 2,000.
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