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On 22 August 2016, representatives from MAG and the German and United States embassies officially handed over a newly built armoury for the Special Anti-Terrorist Group (GSAT) to the national authorities in N’Djamena.
In coordination with the US Embassy, MAG conducted a technical assessment of GSAT facilities in December 2015. MAG and the national authorities then developed an intervention plan to improve the security and management of GSAT weapons and ammunition storage. The specific interventions were supported by the German Federal Foreign Office.
MAG has implemented arms weapons management and destruction in Chad since early 2015, alongside a longstanding humanitarian demining programme.
By improving facilities and increasing national capacity to safely store and manage weapons and ammunition, MAG is making a vital contribution to improved security and stability at both national and regional levels.
During the ceremony, General Méry, Deputy Director of Chad’s Security and Infrastructure Service, commended the work done by MAG in Chad in humanitarian demining and in securing weapons. He also thanked the German and United States governments for their support.
With funding from the German Federal Foreign Office and the US Department of State’s Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, MAG has already upgraded the physical security of 36 storage facilities and trained 102 storekeepers and managers across 28 locations in Chad.
The German Embassy representative, Thomas Gebauer, stated that this project was crucial: “As long as there is no security in a nation, there would not be development.”
US Embassy representative, Joyce Winchel Namde, who was pleased with the collaboration between donors and partners, emphasised that the project was more than just the provision of infrastructure, and that the training of armoury storekeepers was a key component.
The ceremony ended with a visit to the armoury and the symbolic handover of the keys to the national authorities.
To find our more about arms amanagement and destruction, please visit www.maginternational.org/amd.
