MUSANZE-Preparations for the East African Community Military Command Post Exercise (CPX), to be held at the Rwanda Military Academy, Nyakinama, next week, are now complete.

A military command structure to handle about 300 army officers from the rank of General, to junior officers from all the five member states of the East African Community has been established. 

 Rwanda’s Brig. Gen Jaques Musemakweri deputised by Tanzania’s Brig.Gen James Mwakirobwa, will head the EAC Command Post exercise.

The military drills codenamed "Ushirikiano Imara”, will focus on peace support operations, disaster management, counter terrorism and counter piracy.

"The purpose of this exercise, among other things,  is to improve the capability and interoperability of EAC partner states armed forces to combat security complex. Musemakweri said.

"In the spirit of integration, there is need for military cooperation.’’

The contingents, which will bring in their military equipment, will make a field tour in Musanze, participate in local activities including community work "Umuganda” and other cultural events.

CPX "Ushirikiano Imara” is a continuation of previous military exercises conducted in different countries, including Tanzania in 2004, Kenya in 2005, and Uganda (2006).

The exercise will be followed by a "Field Training Exercise” (FT-X) in 2012, which will also be hosted by Rwanda.

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