Global human security has recently become so fragile and unpredictable due to fast-changing political, economic, and social dynamics. This calls for concerted efforts to prepare for and address any security concerns.
The remarks were made by Juvenal Marizamunda, Minister of Defence, while presiding over the opening of the Eastern African Community (EAC) Armed Forces exercise, codenamed "Ushirikiano Imara 2023."
"Our region's operating environment remains one of the most affected areas with recurring conflicts, many of which are cross-border and asymmetric in nature," Minister Marizamunda told over 600 participants from five countries in the East African Community. The participants will be taking part in the two-week-long exercise at the RDF Command and Staff College Nyakinama in Musanze District. Only representatives from DR Congo and South Sudan were not present.
Marizamunda stated that contemporary security challenges have shown that no individual nation can operate in isolation. He said, "I am aware that this exercise is based on peace support operations, which is one among the range of activities undertaken by the United Nations, African Union, and regional initiatives to maintain international peace and security."
He was accompanied by several high-ranking officials in the military and police forces, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, among others. Alain Philbert Mutabazi, Burundi's defence minister; Lt Gen Jonah Mwangi, Vice CDF Kenya; Uganda's state defence minister, Marksons Jacob Oboth; Tanzania CDF Jacob John Mkunda; as well as representatives from the East Africa Community Secretariat were present.
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"The emergence of new changes, new contexts for peace support operations, such as huge humanitarian crises and a range of other human risks, calls for a multi-dimensional comprehensive and integrated approach."
"Maximize the benefits of this golden opportunity, share whatever you think is beneficial to the participants, and learn as much as you can from your colleagues, especially those from different professions. I have no doubt that the conduct of Ushikiriano 2023 will be successful and rewarding."
According to Maj. Gen Ali Mzee Katimbe, representative of the EAC, the exercise will mainly focus on four areas of cooperation: military training, joint operations, technical operations and visits, and the exchange of information.
The exercise is designed to enhance the capabilities of the partner states' defense forces in combating security challenges within their respective countries. It involves the participation of the military, police, correctional services, and civilians.
"The security challenges faced within our region are addressed through these military exercises, which help our armies build the required capabilities."
Overall, Katimbe stated that regional defense forces have gone beyond the exercises and are working together to bring peace to different parts of the region, including eastern DR Congo, Somalia, and elsewhere.
"I want to assure you of our commitment to constantly raise the standards of these exercises to the highest levels and contribute towards increasing the shared capability of our defense forces and their operations in light of the changing nature of security challenges we face."
