Bugesera, 13 June 2024

Today, the 13th EAC Armed Forces Field Training Exercise (FTX) dubbed 'USHIRIKIANO IMARA2024' kicked off at Gako, Bugesera District under the theme, “Strengthening the Security Sector integration and harnessing common interests consistent with EAC regional peace and stability.”

The Exercise involves Military, Police, and Civilian components from East African Community (EAC) partner states including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda which is the host country. The exercise was scheduled to run from 6th to 26th June 2024 at Rwanda Military Academy in Gako, Bugesera district, and in Rubavu district for the maritime exercise.

The exercise aims to enhance the state of readiness and interoperability of the EAC partner states' Armed Forces, Police, Civilian components, and other stakeholders in responding to complex and multidimensional security challenges.

While presiding over the official opening ceremony, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Rwanda, Hon Juvenal Marizamunda emphasised the necessity of collaborative efforts within the region in light of contemporary security challenges.

“The importance of security in regional integration cannot be overstated. 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,” Hon Marizamunda said.

He further reminded attendees that the exercise presents an opportunity to bolster partnerships and interoperability, enabling the region to effectively respond to any threats that may arise.

Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, the RDF Army Chief of Staff, speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, extended a warm welcome to participants in Rwanda, especially at the exercise sites. He noted that the convergence of partner states signifies unwavering solidarity within the region, a step in the right direction towards achieving the common goal of collective security, peace and stability.

Col Deng Mayom Manyam, South Sudanese People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) Defence Liaison Officer at the EAC, representing the Secretary General of the EAC, expressed gratitude to the Government of Rwanda for hosting and supporting the exercise, which will enhance cooperation in defence and security affairs.

He highlighted that the areas of cooperation are entrenched in the protocol, focusing on four pillars: military training, joint operations, technical cooperation, visits and exchange of information.

Speaking at the event, the Exercise Director, Maj Gen Andrew Kagame said the exercise seeks to enhance interoperability and cooperation among the armed forces of the EAC member states, develop and refine capabilities in responding to regional security threats, including Peace Support Operations, counter-terrorism, counter-piracy operations and disaster management, and to foster mutual understanding and trust among forces, strengthening the bonds that unite the nations.

The Exercise opening ceremony was also attended by government officials and EAC partner states armed forces representatives, including Hon Nyirabashitsi Sarah Mateke, Ugandan State Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs representing Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs,  Maj Gen James Birungyi,Chief Defence Intelligence & Security (CDIS) representing Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) -UPDF, Lt Gen John Omenda Mukaravai, the Vice Chief of Defence Force of Kenyan Armed Forces, Maj Gen Fadhili Omar Nondo, Tanzanian Land Force Commander, and Maj Gen Zépherin Mamadou, the Chief of General Staff of the Central African Republic Armed Forces, among others.