EAC Field Training Exercise winds up

16 November 2018

The field training exercise featuring National Defence Forces from the East African Community (EAC) partner states concluded in Tanga Region –Tanzania today. The exercise codenamed “Ushirikiano Imara”, was officially graced by Minister for Defence and National Service of Tanzania, Hon Dr Hussein Alli Mwinyi who commended the participation of all EAC member states personnel. 

Closing the exercise, Dr Mwinyi said that “On behalf of the government of the United Republic of Tanzania I would like at the outset to thank the EAC member states and EAC secretariat for the effort made to facilitate this exercise. This exercise has indeed been successful; I commend you all for your participation. I want to assure you that we hold the military cooperation between the EAC member states in high esteem”, he said. 

The exercise according to the exercise director went through different phases including concept development conferences, command post exercise, and several planning conferences that culminated with field training exercise. 

The exercise was aimed at practicing the participants on the planning, conduct of peace support operations, disaster management, counter piracy and counter terrorism in order to enhance the capacities and combating the different security challenges in line with the United Nations Charter.

Rwanda was represented officially by the Reserve Force Chief of Staff (RFCOS), Gen Fred Ibingira on behalf of the Rwandan Leadership who after the closing ceremony visited the Rwandan Contingent. 

He urged each and every one to always uphold the discipline as a culture of RDF. “Always remember the RDF values and ethics this will help you to always perform well your duties. We have witnessed good performance here because of your discipline and Rwandan values you have in you”, Gen Ibingira said.

These EAC exercises started since 2005. It was codenamed Ushirikiano Imara since 2011 and it is held on a rotational basis among the EAC Partner States. The next country to host the exercise is Uganda.