Events Archives
African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA)
Closing Ceremony for First Training Session - Remarks by Ambassador Jackson
Bama, April 27, 2007
Minister of Defense,
Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces
Ambassadors and Chiefs of Mission,
Officers and Soldiers of the Defense and Security Forces,
Honarable Invitees,
I am very pleased to be here today at the closing ceremonies of ACOTA training.
Upon my arrival in Burkina Faso one year ago, Minister of Defense and I agreed that Burkina Faso was ready and able to undergo peace keeping operations training. I therefore proposed that the Department of State approve Burkina Faso for training under ACOTA - the Africa Contingency Operations Training Assistance program.
Because of excellent cooperation, willingness and organization, Burkina Faso has completed the first round of training, only one year after being approved for the program.
The ACOTA trainers have told me that the Burkinabe military is among the most professional and competent of the many militaries that they have trained. Its personnel are motivated and well-disciplined. And, unlike any other ACOTA partner country, training here has included many high level officers.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
ACOTA was created by President Bush in 2002 to provide training to military units in selected countries in Africa in the functions of peace support operations and humanitarian relief. Thousands of African troops have received valuable training through the ACOTA program. This training includes instruction in small unit operations, military staff skills, human rights, interaction with civil society, and international law.
During the training here in Burkina Faso, a professional team, comprised of current and former U.S. military Officers and Non-commissioned Officers as well as subject-matter experts, has focused on two goals:
First, to create a trained cadre who will teach these same skills throughout the entire Burkina Faso military.
Secondly, to train a battalion for participation in peace support operations where it is needed by the United Nations, AU or ECOWAS.
This training was a great success. And we are sure that the future training of other military units will be equally as successful. The ACOTA program will be a valuable resource for the Burkina Faso military forces.
ACOTA training is only one part of the growing military cooperation between the United States and Burkina Faso. A few years ago, the International Military Education and Training, also known as the “IMET program”, was re-instated. This program provides training opportunities, which include English Language instruction at the U.S.-sponsored English Language Laboratory in Ouagadougou, and participation in various U.S. military training courses at military installations in the United States. Several officers have completed the Basic Officer Course for career fields such as Quartermaster, Ordnance, Engineering and Infantry. We look forward to continuing and expanding the training opportunities under the IMET program and hope to include courses for NCOs, and mid and senior-level officers.
And, we anticipate additional forms of military cooperation in the future.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Burkina Faso is playing an important and valuable role in West Africa and on the continent of Africa. By having trained military forces ready to deploy to help maintain the peace in Africa and throughout the world, Burkina Faso is demonstrating that it is ready to be an international partner for good.
You – the men and “Laafi Battalion” -- are part of an elite group of African solders - you are a part of a battalion trained to maintain peace under the ACOTA program. I thank you for your hard work and dedication.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the trainers for their hard work and excellent advice. And in particular, I would like to thank the President of Burkina Faso, the Minister of Defense, and the Chef d’Etat Major for their personal commitment to this peacekeeping operations training.
Thank you.