'EAC armed forces sent to solve civil crisis in Manyata
republic'
By Valentine Marc Nkwame
A combined East African Army comprising 3000 Soldiers from the three Military
forces of the member states of Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, have this week set
out to settle the political-cum-civil crisis in the troubled landlocked,
Republic of Manyata.
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Major General Christopher Gimonge,
Commander of the Military Peace Support Operation exercise.(Photo by J.
Luwali). |
Known as Regional Forces for Manyata (REFORMA), the combined
EA peace keeping military force's mission is to implement the United Nations
Security Council's resolution 4025 which directed the East African Community to
reinforce secure, peaceful and stable conditions that should lead to the final
democratic elections in the country.
The political unrest in Manyata has existed since 1966 when the country first
president, Dr. Kabuga Sugu died in a mysterious air crash, after which, the
Speaker of the Manyata National assembly, Daniel Malaso forced himself into the
presidency, being backed by the ruling party, USDP.
The coalition of opposition parties, UNINGU in protest, boycotted further
proceedings of the house and after their fortnight ultimatum to make the
infamous president to conduct elections was ignored, the opposition decided to
form a separate government but this decision prompted the ruler to declare a
state of emergency.
Formed by the resolution of the 5th summit of the EAC Heads of State, the
Reforma troops consists of one infantry battalion, a field engineers squadron
and quick reaction company plus a supporting squad, these are from Tanzania.
Kenya has also sent in another infantry battalion, one type C-130 transport
aircraft and a transport Helicopter, while Uganda has contributed one infantry
battalion and two utility helicopters for the military tasks.
But wait! Isn=t all this rather cooked up? Yes it is because in reality, Manyata
as a country doesn't exist. This is a hypothetical state in the recently
launched, joint military drill for the East African armed forces, dubbed
AExercise Ongoza Njia!@
The nine day Peace Support Operation (PSO) exercise has been organized and fully
supported by the East African Community (EAC). This first military drill known
as Command Post Exercise (CPX) has been taking place in Arumeru and Monduli
districts, being a prelude to the Field Training Exercise (FTX), coming up in
September.
The Exercise was being directed by Major General Christopher Gimonge of the
Tanzania Military Academy, Monduli base assisted by Brigadier General J.B. Mweu
of Kenya and Brigadier General A Gutti from Uganda.
Brigadier General RS Kilonzo was the Exercise Chief Controller in the Military
exercise which was launched by the Tanzanian Chief of Defence Forces, General
George Waitara at the TMA base in Monduli, during a brief ceremony which was
also attended by the EAC Secretary General, Nuwe-Amanya Mushega.
The three EAC partner states sent in 153 military personnel, with Tanzania the
host having 32 officers and 73 other ranks, Kenya brought 19 officers and 7
other ranks while Uganda had 19 officers and 3 other ranks.
Taking place between the 20th and the 29th of February, the Military drill
carried out in four phases, was meant to exercise EAC multinational force in
command, control and staff duties at all levels, exercise application of
principles and doctrines of PSOs in accordance with the UN and AU charters.
The drill also included media handling skills, application of humanitarian laws
and practicing humanitarian relief operations.
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