Rwanda has joined Kenya, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania and Somalia in the 11th edition of the East African Community military exercise, Ushirikiano Imara 2026, currently underway in Kenya.
The exercise officially began Monday, May 11, at the Peace Support Training School in Embakasi, Nairobi, and will run for three weeks.
Held under the theme “Strengthening regional cooperation and capacity in peacekeeping, security and resilience,” the exercise aims to boost military cooperation, peacekeeping efforts and regional security coordination among member states of the East African Community.
The drills have brought together military personnel, police officers, civilians and other regional security stakeholders to strengthen joint operations and improve responses to emerging security threats.
According to organizers, 342 participants are taking part in the exercise, which comes as the region faces growing challenges including terrorism, cross-border crime, cyberattacks and natural disasters.
The exercise focuses on joint planning, battlefield operation simulations and coordinated command structures. Participating forces are expected to improve command and control systems, harmonize operational procedures and strengthen interoperability among EAC member states.
Speaking during the opening activities, Lindsay Kiptiness of Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the exercise reflects the EAC’s commitment to addressing regional and cross-border security threats through cooperation.
She said joint military exercises remain critical in improving preparedness and strengthening the region’s ability to respond to security challenges.
