Closing of the EAC Military Field Training

The EAC Military Field Training Exercise held in Mwaro from 12 October was officially closed this 24th October. The Exercise Commander indicates that they achieved all their objectives. Two classrooms that were built in the framework of the EAC military cooperation were handed over to the Mwaro 2 Secondary School.

Soldiers from Uganda and Tanzania painting two classes built during the Field Training Military Exercise 2014 ©Iwacu

“The EAC Military Field Training Exercise has a tradition of leaving a footprint behind”, explains Jean Rigi, the Chief of the mission. It is along that tradition that the Force participated in the delivery of medical services to the local population in several communes of Mwaro Province. In that same tradition, the EAC Military Field Training Exercise decided to construct two classrooms. “We hope that these two classes will be of genuine use to the population of Mwaro”, says the Chief of the mission. Léonidas Bashirahishize, the Mwaro 2 Secondary School Head Master is sure they will. “We didn’t have enough classrooms. Pupils from 1st Art used to occupy the laboratory room. Thanks to these classrooms they will study at ease”, he highlights.

Pierre Nkurunziza the president of Burundi, spoke words of appreciation during the closing ceremony. “I declare the official close of FTX 2014 activities. I thank the EAC armed forces and the EAC General Secretary for their hard work in organizing this event. This shows the good relationship and collaboration between EAC partner states”, his Excellency said.

Richard Sezibera, the EAC Secretary-General, feels that the EAC joint military exercises provide the basis for peace and sustainable development in the region. “Peace will conduct us to development in economy and fighting against poverty”, he states.
The FTX commander, General Major Cyprien Hakiza is satisfied with the training progress. “I congratulate all participants because all components have demonstrated the spirit of cooperation. They have been polite and involved during exercises”, he praises. “Through these exercises, they learn how to consolidate peace in the case of internal conflict or civil war. Our aim is to join our forces in disaster management, counter terrorism, counter maritime piracy and combat complex security challenges”, he concludes.