Military Exercise Advances East African Readiness

ADF STAFF

The 13th iteration of the East African Community’s (EAC) regional field training exercise, Ushirikiano Imara 2024, brought together regional partner nations to enhance capabilities among military, police and civilian components to respond to complex security challenges.

The Rwanda Defence Forces hosted the event, whose name translates as “building strong relationships,” in June 2024. Land-based training took place at and around the Rwanda Military Academy in Gako. Rwanda hosted a maritime element in Rubavu district.

EAC member nations Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda took part in the exercise. The theme was “Strengthening security sector integration and harnessing common interests consistent with EAC regional peace and stability.”

“The importance of security in regional integration cannot be overstated,” said Rwandan Defence Minister Juvenal Marizamunda as the exercise opened, as reported by defenceWeb. “Indeed, no country can confront contemporary security challenges single-handedly. It is therefore essential for countries to come together as a region to address these security challenges collectively.”

The exercise scenario was based on the hypothetical East African nation of Kangoma as it endured a political crisis, requiring attention to peace support operations, counterterrorism, counterpiracy and disaster management.

Exercise director Maj. Gen. Andrew Kagame said Ushirikiano Imara enhances interoperability and cooperation, and develops and refines capabilities for peace support operations, counterterrorism, counterpiracy, and disaster management. It also builds mutual understanding and trust, strengthening bonds that unite nations.

“This year’s exercise serves as testament of our shared determination and enhanced interoperability in consolidation of security efforts, which will see a strengthened trust and friendship among the member states,” Marizamunda said as the exercise closed on June 21.