Participants of the East African Community (EAC) 41st
Sectoral Council on Cooperation in Defence Affairs held in Nairobi/KDFThe East African Community (EAC) has committed to
strengthening military cooperation to tackle regional security challenges,
following the conclusion of its 41st Sectoral Council on Cooperation in Defence
Affairs in Nairobi.
Speaking at the closing session of the Council, on behalf of
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, Cabinet Secretary for EAC, ASALs and
Regional Development Beatrice Askul described the week-long talks as a significant
milestone in the bloc’s collective security agenda.
“This gathering demonstrates our collective responsibility
to secure our region. Our unity is our strength,” the Cabinet Secretary told
participants, stressing that regional conflicts demand joint solutions.
Delegates from all eight partner states including Burundi,
Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and the Democratic
Republic of Congo, reviewed the Defence Experts Working Group and reaffirmed
their commitment to unity and joint security initiatives.
The meeting brought together Ministers of Defence, Chiefs of
Defence Forces, senior military officers, Liaison Officers and country
delegations.
Kenya’s team was led by Chief of Defence Forces General
Charles Kahariri, Defence Principal Secretary Dr Patrick Mariru and Major
General Fred Leuria, the Assistant CDF in charge of Operations, Plans, Doctrine
and Training.
Discussions focused on coordinated military strategies,
intelligence sharing, and strengthening the legal frameworks guiding joint
operations among partner states.
The resolutions adopted are expected to lay the foundation
for deeper defence cooperation under the EAC framework.
Kenya pledged continued commitment to advancing the bloc’s
vision of peace, stability, and prosperity.
The pledge for closer cooperation comes at a time when the
region faces multiple conflicts, including persistent fighting in eastern
Democratic Republic of Congo, insecurity in Somalia, and instability in South
Sudan.
The EAC has previously deployed joint missions to help
contain violence and restore order in troubled areas.
