Red Cross plays its humanitarian role in military exercise

Written By: Liberian National Red Cross

Monrovia – The Liberian Red Cross with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross for the first time ever, has participated in military exercise held by the Armed Forces of Liberia. The exercise links the two organizations as national responders.

The exercise “Watch over IV” aims to practice the Armed Forces of Liberia, Liberia National Police, Immigration, Fire Service and Drug Enforcement Agency in Internal Security Operations as the Liberian security sector prepares for the United Nations Mission in Liberia draw-down in June 2016.

Fayiah Tamba, Secretary General of the Liberia National Red Cross Society says it is essential for Red Cross to participate directly in the practical exercise, doing just what they would do in real-life situations, such as providing First Aid, medical and other services.

“We are quite satisfied with the collaboration. It ensures adequate coordination and communication between the Red Cross and the army on one hand and other security apparatus on the other hand. This is an exercise that needs to be repeated in the future and we are fully committed to our participation”.

The military exercise helps to strengthen the relationship of mutual trust and shows a clear role each group has to play in an actual situation of internal disturbance or armed conflict in which the Liberian Red Cross has a mandate to conduct its activities.

The exercise focuses on road block, cordon and search and crowd dispersal, and was held in Harbel from 23-27 June.

Exercise Watch over IV is an Internal Security Operation Joint Field Training Exercise designed for the Armed Forces of Liberia, Liberia National Police, Immigration, Fire Service and Drug Enforcement Agency.