Eastern Africa Standby Force launches maritime exercise in Djibouti
The exercise will simulate a maritime crisis, testing real-time coordination across five operational themes, including counter-piracy, counter-illicit trafficking, counter-illegal fishing, counter-maritime terrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) on Tuesday launched its first-ever maritime command post exercise, Bahari Salama 1, in Djibouti, marking a milestone in efforts to strengthen regional coordination in responding to maritime security threats.
Running from October 7 to 16, the ten-day exercise is taking place at the Doraleh Base under the leadership of General Zakaria Cheikh Ibrahim, Chief of Staff of the Djiboutian Armed Forces. It brings together military, police and civilian officers from ten EASF member states, including Kenya.
According to EASF, the exercise will simulate a maritime crisis in a fictional Red Sea state called Carana, testing real-time coordination across five operational themes, including counter-piracy, counter-illicit trafficking, counter-illegal fishing, counter-maritime terrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
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"Participants will work within the ASF framework, the Djibouti Code of Conduct, and the UN Charter to simulate effective, multinational coordination in real-time maritime crises," EASF said in a statement.
The opening ceremony featured the handing over of the EASF flag and exercise mandate, symbolising the formal start of operations. EASF Director Brigadier General (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema handed over the flag to General Zakaria, who passed it to Head of Mission Kider Abobulgu. Over 180 participants attended, representing the member states.
"This event marks yet another milestone in our collective efforts to enhance peace, security, and stability, particularly in the maritime domain, which remains a critical lifeline for trade, communication, and regional integration within Eastern Africa and beyond," said Kahuria in his address.
Further, he emphasised the need for greater coordination and collaboration among EASF Member States to address transnational threats, while commending the Government of Djibouti for hosting the exercise and its continued commitment to peace and security.
"Each contribution, whether in the form of funding, personnel, or expertise, represents a collective investment in our security architecture and our ability to act together when peace and coexistence are under threat," said the EASF Director.
On his part, Djiboutian Coast Guard Commander Colonel Wais Omar Bogoreh described Bahari Salama 1 as a critical mechanism for strengthening collaboration and information-sharing among regional and international maritime partners.
"If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together," he said.
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