Zanzibar President H.E Dr Ali Mohammed Shein has said that peace, security and political stability are critical pre-requisites for an accelerated socio-economic development in the East African Community (EAC) Partner States.
He said that region’s fast emerging economic prospects demanded a safe, sound and secured environment .in his speech which was read on his behalf by Zanzibar second Vice-President. H.E Ambassador Seif Ally Idd.
“It is in this context that the EAC Partner States have continued to organize annual military exercises and sports and cultural events through a shared vision of our [regional] armed and security forces,” Dr Shein stated when opening the colourful eighth edition of the EAC Military Games and Cultural Event at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on 20th August, 2014.
He said in his speech, which was read on his behalf by Zanzibar second Vice-President. H.E Ambassador Seif Ally Idd, that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Defence has been upgraded into a Protocol and was in line with the Treaty for the EAC, set a legal framework for Region’s armed forces to cooperate in the areas of military training, joint operations, technical cooperation, and exchange of visits and Information, among others.
The EAC Peace and Security architecture, Dr Shein added, has expanded the focus of the armed forces to peace support operations, disaster management and support to civil authority.
“This shift in military and security doctrine is compatible with the EAC Treaty that puts the welfare of the people and their security at the top of the agenda of the EAC integration process,” he underscored.
In this regard the Isles leader said: “The “EAC Military Games and Cultural Events 2014” is aimed to foster spirit de corps and solidarity among the EAC armed forces and promote physical education which contributes towards harmonious development of sports and culture in the region and to the regional and international efforts for universal peace.
Tanzania’s Minister for Defence and National Service Dr Hussein Mwinyi hailed the Games and commended the organizing committee for the good preparations of this year’s event.Chief of Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) General Davis Adolf Mwamunyanga told the large audience that the Games have coincided with the country’s army’s 50th anniversary.
“The EAC event in a way contributes to the joy and excitement of our anniversary celebrations, ‘the TPDF Chief of Defence Forces added.He reassured TPDF’s commitment to do its best to reinforce its co-operation and friendship with each and all the armed forces of EAC Partner States.
“It is through such close co-operation that our [regional] armed forces can be able to build a synergic capacity to effectively and sustainably address security challenges in our region,” stated General Mwamunyange.
The EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation Mr Charles Njoroge said the regional economic bloc was making strides in the regional integration and it has already started bearing results.”There is emerging vibrant middle class in service industry and technology and the future is very bright”.
He also said that the EAC Games and Cultural activities have great significance beyond building confidence among the defence forces of EAC Partner States.
“It bears a great symbolic significance having regard to the broader goals and vision of competitive, prosperous and united East Africa,” the EAC official said, adding the Games and Cultural events are always held in public stadiums so that the common citizens watch and can perceive that our defence forces are working together and engage in friendly activities that project mutual trust and confidence.
The colourful opening was marked by a march past, traditional dances and music of the five EAC Partner States of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi.The events featuring at the two-week Games are: football (men), netball, basketball (men), handball (men) and cross-country (men and women). This year’s theme is:” Is one people, one destiny through EAC Military Games and Cultural Event 2014”.
In an exciting opening soccer match, Tanzania edged Burundi 2-1. Tanzania displayed skilful soccer, but made many near misses. Burundi’s main drawback was their midfield which was capitalized fully by the host boys.
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