The ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) has conducted a five-kilometre route march in Bissau as part of efforts to improve physical fitness, teamwork and operational preparedness among its personnel.
The exercise, held on Saturday, formed part of the mission’s monthly physical training programme.
It brought together personnel from the mission and Guinea-Bissau’s security forces in a joint activity focused on fitness, cooperation and stronger working relationships.
According to a statement by Maj. Reuben Kovangiya, Military Public Information Officer at the ESSMGB Force Headquarters, the exercise was designed not only to promote healthy living but also to strengthen coordination among participating personnel.
Force Commander Highlights Importance of Fitness
Speaking after the march, the ESSMGB Force Commander, Brig.-Gen. Danjuma Dantani, described regular physical training as an important component of maintaining the fitness, wellbeing and operational readiness of military personnel.
Dantani explained that the exercise provided an opportunity for officers and soldiers to stay physically active while reducing health risks linked to prolonged physical inactivity.
He also stressed that bringing personnel from different components of the mission together in a common activity could help develop stronger bonds and improve cooperation in the field.
Joint Exercise Strengthens Interoperability
The Force Commander said joint physical activities between the mission and Guinea-Bissau security forces were particularly valuable because they allowed personnel to interact outside their routine operational duties.
According to him, such engagements help build team spirit, camaraderie and interoperability, all of which are important to the effective implementation of the mission’s responsibilities.
Dantani therefore urged contingent commanders to treat physical fitness as a priority and ensure that officers and soldiers under their command remained fit, healthy and prepared for operational assignments.
Personnel From Several Countries Take Part
The route march attracted a broad representation of personnel.
Participants included officers and soldiers from the ESSMGB Force Headquarters, staff of the Office of the Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, as well as contingents from Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal.
Personnel from the mission’s Level II Hospital also took part, highlighting the mission’s emphasis on maintaining the physical wellbeing of its workforce.
Guinea-Bissau was represented by members of its Armed Forces, including personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and National Guard.
Commander Commends Participants
Dantani commended all those who participated in the five-kilometre exercise, praising their commitment and discipline throughout the event.
He noted that collective fitness was about more than individual health, arguing that a physically prepared and cohesive force was better positioned to carry out its responsibilities effectively.
The exercise also reinforced the importance of cooperation between the international mission and Guinea-Bissau’s national security institutions.
Physical Training Remains Part of Mission Preparedness
The five-kilometre march is part of ESSMGB’s continuing physical training programme, which seeks to keep personnel prepared for the demands of their duties.
By combining fitness activities with participation from different national contingents and Guinea-Bissau security agencies, the mission is using regular exercises to encourage healthier lifestyles while strengthening operational relationships.
What’s Next?
ESSMGB is expected to continue its regular physical training activities as part of its broader effort to maintain personnel readiness.
Continued joint exercises could also provide further opportunities for the mission’s international contingents and Guinea-Bissau security forces to improve coordination and interoperability.
Summary
The ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau has conducted a five-kilometre route march in Bissau, bringing together personnel from several ECOWAS contingents and Guinea-Bissau’s security forces.
The exercise focused on physical fitness, healthy living, teamwork and operational preparedness while providing an opportunity to strengthen camaraderie and cooperation among the participating forces.
