KENYA DEFENCE FORCES
Members of Kenya’s Quick Reaction Force (QRF) and the Brazilian Jungle Warfare Mobile Training Team completed a three-week jungle warfare training course in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Both units served in the U.N. Stabilization Mission in the DRC. Each unit has specific skills to share relating to operating in challenging terrain and conducting counterinsurgency operations.
“Jungle warfare presents unique challenges that require specialized skills and tactics,” said Lt. Col. Ambrose Mwabili, commanding officer of the Kenyan QRF. “By sharing our experiences and learning from the Brazilians, we hope to become even more effective in our mission to protect civilians and maintain peace in this region.”
The course, conducted near the town of Beni in 2023, covered topics such as navigation in dense foliage, survival skills, patrolling techniques and providing medical care in austere conditions. Participants underwent grueling physical and mental challenges to prepare them for the unpredictable nature of jungle warfare.
“The diversity of our Soldiers and the expertise we have gained from operating in the Amazon rainforest make us a valuable partner in this venture,” said Brazilian Lt. Col. Joao Carlos Duque, who led the mobile training team. “Together with our Kenyan colleagues, we aim to raise the bar for peacekeeping forces in jungle environments.”
Through the training, the Kenyan force and Brazilian team expected to forge stronger bonds, exchange knowledge and emerge as more formidable peacekeeping units.