{"id":247153,"date":"2024-08-06T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-06T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=247153"},"modified":"2024-08-06T20:19:47","modified_gmt":"2024-08-06T20:19:47","slug":"us-botswana-defence-forces-kick-off-exercise-southern-accord-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=247153","title":{"rendered":"US, Botswana Defence Forces kick off exercise Southern Accord 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n Botswana Defence Force Lance Cpl. Malebogo Mojaeti, an aircraft mechanic, and U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Jerri Edwards, bilateral affairs noncommissioned officer at U.S. Embassy Gaborone, pose for a photo during the opening ceremony of exercise Southern Accord 2024 in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 5, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, as well as peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
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GABORONE, Botswana \u2014 Exercise Southern Accord 2024<\/a> officially began on August 5, 2025, launching a two-week joint military exercise between U.S. and Botswana forces. The opening ceremony in Gaborone marked the start of a comprehensive training operation aimed at enhancing bilateral military cooperation and readiness.<\/p>\n

Sponsored by U.S. Africa Command<\/a> and led by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)<\/a>, Southern Accord is a joint bi-annual exercise that unites U.S. Army and Air Force personnel with their Botswana Defence Force (BDF)<\/a> counterparts. The exercise focuses on conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, peacekeeping missions and aeromedical evacuations, all while enhancing multinational military capabilities and interoperability.<\/p>\n

At the opening ceremony, U.S. Army Col. Mark Whiteman, senior defense official and defense attach\u00e9 with U.S. Embassy Gaborone<\/a>, underscored the importance of the exercise and the enduring partnership between the two nations.<\/p>\n

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\n U.S. Army Col. Mark Whiteman, senior defense official and defense attach\u00e9 with U.S. Embassy Gaborone, speaks with U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jason Porter, deputy chief of exercises (G7), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), during the opening ceremony of the exercise in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 5, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by SETAF-AF. Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, as well as peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
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\n Seth Henderson, lead exercise planner for Southern Accord 2024, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), sits with Botswana Defence Force partners during the opening ceremony of the exercise in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 5, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by SETAF-AF. Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, as well as peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
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\u201cWe\u2019re very excited to join together with our partners here in Botswana,\u201d said Whiteman. \u201cFrom academics courses to the field training exercise, to real-world humanitarian aid, this year\u2019s exercise provides an unparalleled opportunity to increase our joint readiness.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n U.S. Army Col. Mark Whiteman, senior defense official and defense attach\u00e9 with U.S. Embassy Gaborone, provides remarks during the opening ceremony of exercise Southern Accord 2024 in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 5, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Richard Dickson)
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The North Carolina National Guard<\/a>, which has maintained a State Partnership Program with the BDF since 2008, plays a key role in the exercise. This long-standing relationship has facilitated numerous exchanges of military best practices, deepening the collaboration between the two forces. Their involvement in Southern Accord demonstrates the shared commitment of the U.S. and Botswana to collective defense efforts.<\/p>\n

BDF Maj. Gen. Joseph Eno Seelo, deputy commander of the BDF, highlighted the exercise\u2019s role in reinforcing the U.S.-Botswana military relationship.<\/p>\n

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\n Botswana Defence Force Maj. Gen. Joseph Eno Seelo, deputy commander of the BDF, provides remarks during the opening ceremony of exercise Southern Accord 2024 in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 5, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, as well as peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
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\n Botswana Defence Force Col. David Nkete, lead exercise planner with the BDF, provides remarks during the opening ceremony of exercise Southern Accord 2024 in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 5, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Richard Dickson)
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\u201cIt is my fervent belief that this exercise will serve as a platform where, as partners, we will have the opportunity to engage on issues of common interest in the theater of operations and throughout the broader national security environment,\u201d Seelo stated. \u201cWe also have a view to explore other potential areas of cooperation that will further enhance our mutual relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n

Southern Accord is being conducted across three locations in Botswana, providing participants with varied training environments and scenarios. The exercise includes operations designed to test and improve the interoperability of U.S. and BDF forces, with a focus on humanitarian assistance, disaster response and peacekeeping missions\u2014all critical to regional stability and security.<\/p>\n

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\n Botswana Defence Force Col. David Nkete, lead exercise planner with the BDF, stands in front of the BDF Army band during the opening ceremony of exercise Southern Accord 2024 in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 5, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, as well as peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
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\n U.S. Army Master Sgt. Thanh Kim, theater sustainment planner with the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, sits with Botswana Defence Force partners during the opening ceremony of the exercise in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 5, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, as well as peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
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Additionally, the exercise serves as a platform for advancing gender integration and supporting women, peace and security (WPS) initiatives<\/a>. The BDF, in collaboration with SETAF-AF, has implemented a 5-year WPS strategy led by its Gender Integration Office, established in September 2023. This initiative highlights the commitment of both nations to fostering inclusivity and empowering women in the military.<\/p>\n

\u201cI encourage each one of the participants to engage in an open, mature and truly candid way,\u201d said Seelo during his opening ceremony address. \u201cFor you to be a better soldier tomorrow, ready to deploy around the world to defend peace and security, including violent acts against humanity.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n Botswana Defence Force Col. David Nkete, lead exercise planner with the BDF, and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jason Porter, deputy chief of exercises (G7), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), provide remarks to the media after the opening ceremony of exercise Southern Accord 2024 in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 5, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by SETAF-AF. Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Richard Dickson)
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\n U.S. and Botswana participants in exercise Southern Accord 2024 pose for a group photo during the opening ceremony in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 5, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, as well as peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Richard Dickson)
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To this end, U.S. and Botswana forces will engage in rigorous training, exchanging knowledge and expertise to enhance their operational effectiveness. The exercise is set to conclude on August 15, 2025, with a closing ceremony celebrating the accomplishments and the strengthened partnership between the two nations.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe world in which we live, with problems and security challenges that cross borders and continents, requires us to be prepared,\u201d concluded Whiteman. \u201cWorking with our partners is how we will succeed in tackling these challenges, while safeguarding the people we serve.\u201d<\/p>\n

About SETAF-AF<\/strong><\/p>\n

SETAF-AF provides\u00a0<\/strong>U.S. Africa Command<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0U.S. Army Europe and Africa<\/a>\u00a0a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.<\/p>\n

Follow SETAF-AF on:<\/strong>\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>,\u00a0YouTube<\/a>,\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a>\u00a0&\u00a0DVIDS<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Botswana Defence Force Lance Cpl. Malebogo Mojaeti, an aircraft mechanic, and U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Jerri Edwards, bilateral affairs noncommissioned officer at U.S. Embassy Gaborone, pose for a photo during the opening ceremony of exercise Southern Accord 2024 in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 5, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":247155,"comment_status":"close","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-247153","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247153","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=247153"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247153\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":247166,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/247153\/revisions\/247166"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/247155"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=247153"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=247153"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=247153"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}