EAC ARMED FORCES LAUNCH COMMAND POST EXERCISE USHIRIKIANO IMARA 2026 TO ENHANCE REGIONAL SECURITY COOPERATION

The 14th East African Community (EAC) Armed Forces Command Post Exercise (CPX), USHIRIKIANO IMARA 2026, has officially opened today,  at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Embakasi, Nairobi, marking another significant milestone in strengthening regional peace, security, and military cooperation among EAC Partner States.

The 3 weeks exercise held under the theme, “Enhancing Regional Cooperation and Readiness for Peace, Security, and Resilience,”  brings together armed forces and security stakeholders from across the region to reinforce collective security mechanisms and enhance operational readiness in responding to emerging and evolving security challenges.

Participating countries include Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi, Uganda, and Tanzania, while Somalia is participating as an observer state.The exercise has brought together 342 participants drawn from military, police, civilian components, and other relevant institutions involved in regional peace and security efforts.

The Command Post Exercise comes at a critical time as the region continues to face complex security threats, including terrorism, transnational organized crime, cyber threats, humanitarian emergencies, and other emerging risks that demand coordinated regional responses.

Through joint planning, simulation-based operations, and strategic coordination, participating forces are expected to test and strengthen command-and-control systems, harmonize operational doctrines, and improve interoperability among EAC Partner States.

Amb. Lindsay Kiptiness, working in Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Head of Mission, emphasized that the exercise reflects the EAC’s continued commitment to building a cohesive regional security framework capable of responding effectively to both regional and multinational threats.

The Ambassador further highlighted that regular joint training and sustained military collaboration remain essential in strengthening preparedness, resilience, and rapid response capabilities across the region.

USHIRIKIANO IMARA 2026 also provides a vital platform for fostering professional relationships among participating armed forces, enhancing mutual trust, and promoting shared understanding in peace support operations and regional stability efforts.