BY ARON MSIGWA
THE Land Commander Force of the Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF), Major General Fadhili Omary Nondo joined other General officers and dignitaries from East Africa Community (EAC) partner states representing the Tanzania Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), General Jacob John Mkunda in the official launch of the 14th East Africa Community Armed Forces Command Post Exercise ( Ushirikiano Imara 2026) on Thursday, May 14, 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya.
This year’s significant military exercise hosted by the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), is aimed at bringing together participants from various nations to enhance readiness and interoperability of EAC Partner States’ Armed Forces, Police, Civilian Components and other stakeholders in responding to complex and multidimensional security challenges.
The colorful multinational event was graced by Kenya Vice Defense Force (VCDF) Lieutenant John Magaravani Omenda ,who emphasized on the importance of EAC member states to continue strengthening unity, cooperation, and collective preparedness in addressing emerging threats, disasters, and security challenges that may undermine regional peace and stability.
The 14th East Africa Community Armed Forces Command Post Exercise 2026 is based on a hypothetical East African Republic of Pwani, which was affected by a political crisis, hence focusing on Peace Support Operations, Counter Terrorism, Counter Piracy and Disaster Management.
During this intensive exercise, Regional Mission Pwani troops from Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Somalia and South Sudan will showcase drills such as crowd control, coordination and communication, flexibility and patrolling in built-up areas thus highlighting high levels of professionalism and skills, underscoring the troops’ dedication to safeguarding mission mandate.
The exercise is designed based on Peace Support Operations (PSO), Counter Terrorism (CT), Counter Piracy (CP) and Disaster Management (DM).
This collaborative effort aims to enhance readiness, foster cooperation, and equip participants with essential skills for their roles in maintaining peace and security.
The 14th Command Post Exercise Ushirikiano Imara 2026 is conducted pursuant to the EAC Protocol on Cooperation in Defense Affairs and EAC that aims at bringing together EAC Partner States’ militaries and other Civilian Stakeholders to plan and conduct integrated missions.
Present during the event was the Chief of Umpire of the Exercise - USHIRIKIANO IMARA 2026 and the Head of Tanzania delegation from the Tanzania People’s Defense Forces (TPDF), Brigadier General Maneno Almasi Mabakila, Senior Officers from the Tanzania Police Force, Prison, Immigration, Ministries and Civilian component.