East African Community Field Military Training Gains Momentum

[IAfrika]

The Rwandan Contingent matching at the ceremony


The East African region has intensified training for a regional force to respond to security threats that continue to hinder economic growth and stability, Chimp Corps report.

The annual East African Community Armed Forces and other Key stakeholder Field Training Exercise Code Named "UshirikianoImara 2014" taking place in Burundi was officially flagged off on October 17, 2014 by the Host Country's First Vice President, Prosper Bazombanza.

The ceremony was held at the Burundi National Defence Forces Artillery Brigade Headquarters in Mwaro Province, about 70Km from the capital Bujumbura. The exercise is also being conducted in the same area.

Present to witness the ceremony were the Minister of Defence and War Veterans of the Republic of Burundi, Pontien Gaciyebwenge, the Deputy Secretary General of the East African Community, Jean Claude Nsengiyunva, Burundi Chief of General Staff, Maj Gen Prime Niyongabo, Members of the East African Legislative Assembly, Defence Liaison Officers at the East African Community Secretariat, Defence Attachés and Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to Burundi, among many other dignitaries.

UPDF Chief of Defence Forces was represented by Lt Gen Jim Owoyesigire whereas Maj Gen Mushyo Kamanzi who is Rwanda's Army Chief of Staff Land Forces represented his Chief of Defence Staff.


Uganda soldiers impress at the ceremony

Kenya's Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in Charge of Operations, Doctrine and Training Maj Gen Robert Kibochi represented Kenya's Chief of Defence Forces while the Tanzanian Chief of Defence Forces was represented by his Chief of Training Maj Gen James Mwakibola.

In his address, Bazombanza, who represented President Pierre Nkurunziza applauded the efforts of the East African Community partner states in actualizing the memorandum of understanding in Defence Co-operation.

This he observed is being witnessed in such joint training exercises and staff colleges, joint operations as is the case in AMISOM, technical assistance, joint sports and cultural competitions and exchange visits among others.

"Regional threats must be addressed by regional security forces. This can only be possible through joint training such as this particular one. We all need to support the Defence and security initiatives in place because we are gradually reaching the benefits of our integration," he told the participants.


Vice President handing over the EAC flag to the Exercise Director, Burundi's Maj Gen Cyprien Hakiza

He also reiterated the Government of Burundi's appreciation to the EAC for selecting Burundi as the host to the exercise only a year after hosting another.

"UshikianoImara" (Kiswahili for Firm Co-operation) is an integrated, multi – dimensional Field Training Exercise which brings together the military, police, prisons and civilian components from the five East African Community Partner States.

It is aimed at practicing Partner States' Armed Forces and other stakeholders in planning and conduct of Combined Joint Operations on Peace Support Operations, Disaster Management, Counter Terrorism and Counter Piracy in order to enhance their capacity in combating complex security challenges.

The East African Community Joint Military Exercises are conducted annually on rotational basis in accordance with Memorandum of Understandings on Co-operation in Defence and in line with the decisions of the Sectoral Council on Co-operation in Defence.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the EAC Partner States pursue an elaborate programme of activities of confidence building among the Armed Forces.

Some of these include; Joint Training, Joint Operations, Technical Assistance, Visits and exchange of information, cultural exchanges and sports and games to enhance a spirit of comradeship and interoperability among the armed forces and other key stakeholders.

Previous similar exercises have been held in Tanzania (2005 and 2010), Kenya (2006) Uganda (2007 and 2009), Rwanda (2011 and 2012) and Burundi (2013 and 2014).

Exercise UshirikianoImara 2014 that had earlier began on October 13, 2014 will close on October 26, 2014. About 1900 personnel are participating.

Source:chimpreports

http://chimpreports.com/photos-eac-field-military-training-gains-momentum/