The Vice Chief of Defence Forces of the Kenya Defence Forces, Lieutenant General John Omenda, has said the ongoing East African Community (EAC) regional security command post exercise, codenamed Ushirikiano Imara, demonstrates the region’s collective commitment to unity and cooperation in strengthening peace and security across East Africa.
The 14th edition of the exercise officially commenced at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Embakasi, Nairobi, bringing together military, police, and civilian components from all EAC partner states under the theme: “Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Readiness for Peace, Security and Resilience.”
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Lt Gen Omenda said the exercise reflects the collective discipline and commitment of EAC member states in enhancing their shared capacity to address regional security challenges.
“This unity, spirit of collaboration, discipline, and commitment will strengthen our resilience against threats such as terrorism, piracy, and other emerging challenges in the region,” he said.
Lt Gen Omenda further pledged that East African countries would remain united and resilient against any forces seeking to destabilise the region.
The Deputy Secretary General of the East African Community, Andrea Ague Ariik Malueth, said the exercise aligns with the EAC Protocol on Defence Cooperation, which recognises peace and security as essential pillars for regional integration and socio-economic transformation.
He added that the exercise would strengthen multi-agency coordination and build the capacity of defence forces to respond effectively to security and economic challenges affecting the region.
The Exercise Director, Major General John Nkoimo, said the command post exercise is designed to enhance the skills and capabilities of regional forces to work with multi-sectoral agencies in responding to peace support operations, counter-terrorism, counter-piracy, and disaster management operations within the shortest time possible.
He added that the exercise also aims to promote awareness and implementation of the EAC integration agenda.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Ernest Nuwagaba reaffirmed the commitment of participating forces to strengthen their collective ability to achieve the objectives of the exercise and effectively implement the scenarios as they would occur in real-life situations.
Among the dignitaries present at the ceremony were the State Minister for Defence in charge of Veterans Affairs, Huda Abason Oleru; Burundi’s Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Jean Paul Habimana; Tanzania’s Commander Land Forces, Major General Fadhili Omari Nondo; and the Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, Brigadier General Wyclif Kaita.
Also in attendance were defence attachés from EAC partner states, members of the diplomatic corps, and senior officers from the Kenya Defence Forces.
