In a straight line, they are some 2 600 km apart but that has not hindered landlocked Eswatini from entering a military co-operation arrangement with Kenya.
The Kenyan Defence Ministry reports representatives from the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), led by Brigadier General Elijah Shabangu, met a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) delegation at Defence Headquarters in Nairobi on 25 November. Major General Fredrick Leuria, Assistant Chief of Defence Forces in charge of Operations, Doctrine and Training (ACDF OPD&T) headed the KDF delegation.
The meeting focussed on military co-operation between the two nations, with a focus on capacity development by way of enhanced training partnerships. Other discussion points included defence policy and planning, personnel welfare, terms and conditions of service and joint career progression courses.
Also on the agenda was a draft of the Kenya Eswatini defence co-operation agreement, proposing further collaboration in the defence industry, peace support operations, defence research and development, military health services, border security management and cyber security among others.
Leuria noted the event was a reflection of mutual goodwill and an opportunity for both nations to further explore avenues to strengthen relations, share experiences and practical insights and engagements.
In addition to delivering a message of goodwill from UEDF Commander Lieutenant General Hulumende Fakudze, the Eswatini one-star thanked the host defence force for solid and fruitful co-operation the two countries enjoy, particularly in capacity development and knowledge sharing, that continue to positively impact UEDF combat readiness.
Eswatini has a small, domestically oriented military responsible for territorial defence, internal security and support to civil authorities. With Eswatini not facing any external threats, the UEDF has a central role in maintaining regime stability, border enforcement and ceremonial state functions. It is structured around light infantry units, military police and support detachments tasked with security presence as opposed to combat readiness.
The KDF is pivotal in maintaining internal security, safeguarding national borders and participating in regional peacekeeping operations, particularly in Somalia as part of the African Union (AU) Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), now AUSSOM (AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia). The Kenya military is relatively small compared to other nations, but is well-respected in East Africa and is actively modernising equipment and infrastructure.
