With the threat of terrorist groups such as al-Shabaab and the Islamic State continuing to loom over East Africa, regional partnership and tactical readiness were the focus for more than 1,500 military personnel gathered for the launch of Exercise Justified Accord in host countries Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania on February 23.
The largest annual multinational training exercise in East Africa, Justified Accord is conducted in partnership with United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF).
“This exercise embodies the principle of collective defense, creating an impenetrable shield against those who seek to destabilize our shared democratic values,” a participant said at the opening ceremony, according to Kenyan news website Streamline.
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jason Fernandez, who is serving as Justified Accord branch chief for task force, emphasized the importance of the exercise, describing it as a platform to create a capable multinational security network to address evolving asymmetrical threats.
“The true strength of Justified Accord lies in our partners taking the lead,” he said. “This exercise embodies the principle of burden sharing, creating a powerful, partner-led security network capable of shouldering the responsibility for a stable and prosperous East Africa.”
Trainings in Kenya focused on joint command and control. They included a multinational live-fire exercise, a command-post exercise integrating special operations and conventional forces, air-to-ground integration, and defensive cyber operations based in Nairobi and Isiolo.
About 1,100 residents of Laresoro in Samburu County took part in a free Medical Civic Action Program conducted by the Kenya Defence Forces and U.S. medical personnel on February 27 and 28. Operating at Laresoro Health Centre and Archers Post Sub County Hospital, the medical program offered free outpatient consultations, basic laboratory tests, treatment for common illnesses, maternal and child health services, and health education.
In Tanzania, participants held a bilateral field-training exercise on jungle warfare and counter-improvised explosive devices, alongside medical readiness training to support local communities.
The exercise concludes on March 13 with distinguished visitor days, where African and U.S. vendors will connect commercial technological solutions focused on counterterrorism, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and counter-drone capabilities with military and interagency officials.
“A truly resilient joint force is powered by a thriving defense ecosystem,” Fernandez said. “What you will see is that ecosystem in action, a strategic partnership between our warfighters and commercial innovators from both the U.S. and our partners.”
