The 14th East African Community (EAC) Armed Forces Command Post Exercise has officially opened in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together military, police and civilian personnel from EAC Partner States to strengthen regional preparedness, interoperability and collective security.
The multinational exercise, dubbed Ushirikiano Imara, seeks to enhance joint operational capabilities in Peace Support Operations, Counter-Terrorism, Counter-Piracy and Disaster Management through coordinated training, command post drills and scenario-based simulations.
The exercise, which will run until May 28, was officially launched on Thursday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi. The opening ceremony featured the symbolic handover of the EAC flag, signifying unity, cooperation and the shared commitment of Partner States to regional peace, stability and collective security.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, underscored that peace, security and unity remain fundamental pillars for the success and integration of the Community.
Hon. Malueth emphasised the importance of timely information sharing and strengthened regional cooperation in addressing evolving security threats facing the region.
“The EAC region continues to face increasingly complex and interconnected threats, including terrorism, transnational organised crime and instability in neighbouring regions.
These challenges require stronger regional coordination, timely information sharing, harmonised operational procedures and practical cooperation among our defence and security institutions,” he said.
Over the years, the Ushirikiano Imara series of exercises has become one of the most practical demonstrations of the EAC’s commitment to regional peace and security cooperation.
The exercise continues to strengthen command and control systems, operational coordination, joint planning mechanisms and multi-agency collaboration among Partner States.
Kenya’s Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF), Lieutenant General John Omenda, reaffirmed the importance of collective security and regional collaboration in promoting peace, stability and resilience across the region.
“Ushirikiano Imara is not only a milestone in training but also a reflection of our collective vision and shared purpose. Through EAC collaboration and commitment, we can build resilience against threats posed by criminal and terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram. No nation stands alone,” said Lieutenant General Omenda.
In addition, Kenya’s General Officer Commanding Central Command (GOC CENTCOM) and Exercise Director, Major General John Nkoimo, highlighted the exercise theme, “Enhancing Regional Readiness for Peace, Security and Resilience,” noting that the exercise aims to improve coordination, preparedness, and multinational operational effectiveness among participating forces.
During the exercise, participants will undertake a series of command post activities focused on enhancing joint preparedness, interoperability and coordinated response mechanisms, reinforcing the EAC Partner States’ collective resolve to safeguard regional peace and stability. URN