The United States (US) has handed over $18 million worth of equipment and training to the Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF). It is part of the US’ initiative; African Peacekeeping Rapid Reaction Programme (APRRP).
Equipment handed over to the TPDF included 27 vehicles (mostly Iveco trucks but also cargo handling vehicles), a 300-person kitchen, water purification machines, and communications equipment.
According to TPDF, the rapid training had been completed in January and that the handover occurred on January 31st. the equipment handed over is set to improve Tanzania’s capability as well as give the troops an upper hand in their peacekeeping missions. Tanzania is the 5th largest peacekeeper in Africa as well as 11th worldwide with missions in countries including; Sudan, Central Africa Republic, D.R. Congo and Lebanon.
APRRP is a partnership between the United States and six African nations: Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Ghana. Its aim is to create the capacity and readiness to provide tactical headquarters and logistics support for the United Nations and African Union peacekeeping operations. Over the past year, US trainers have worked with the TPDF APRRP unit, preparing to support peacekeeping, humanitarian, and disaster relief efforts in Tanzania and across the continent
