Rwanda contingent due for EAC military exercises
A Rwandan contingent composed of 43 participants that include 30 military, 6 Police officers and 7 civilians will leave Kigali on Sunday 20th March 2016 for Nairobi, Kenya to participate in Eastern Africa Community Military Exercise codenamed “EAC Command Post Exercise (CPX) Ushirikiano Imara 2016â€.
The drills will be held in EMBAKASI site, Nairobi from 20th March- 4th April 2016 and involve 249 participants from EAC partner states namely Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
The aim of the exercise is to practice the EAC Partner States’ Armed Forces and stakeholders in planning and conduct of peace support operations, counter terrorism, counter piracy, and disaster management in order to enhance their capacity in combating complex security challenges. It is a test to the readiness and capability for the Defence, Police and Civilians working together in an integrated training Exercise on Peace Support Operation.
Brig Gen Gatama (left) and Col David Bukenya briefing Rwandan Contingent at RDF Headquarters
Rwandan Contingent is led by Brig Gen Vincent Gatama who will be the Chief Umpire for the Command Post Exercise. The Exercise Director will come from Kenya, the host Nation. The drills involve Infantry, Maritime, Air Components and Police roles. Civilians’ roles during the Exercise include among others Gender, Human Rights and environment officers, Child protection and political advisors as well as planning officers.
The CPX is annually organized in accordance with Article II of the EAC Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Defense among partner states.
