EASF Launches Main Planning Conference for Maritime CPX 2025 "Bahari Salama" in Djibouti

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Djibouti, 16 June 2025 – The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) on Monday officially launched the Main Planning Conference (MPC) for its Maritime Command Post Exercise (CPX) 2025, codenamed "Bahari Salama", which is scheduled to take place in August this year.

The opening ceremony, hosted in Djibouti, was presided over by Col. Ahmed Daher Djama, Commander of the Djibouti Navy. In his welcome remarks, Col. Djama stated: “It is my honour to welcome you to Djibouti. As a maritime nation situated at a critical geostrategic location, we are fully aware of the importance of regional cooperation to counter maritime threats and foster peace."

 

He highlighted the persistent challenges faced in the region, including piracy, illicit trafficking, illegal fishing, and environmental threats. He further emphasized the importance of preparing for humanitarian and natural disaster responses.

 "This exercise provides a crucial platform to refine our ability to operate as a unified, capable force under a peace support operations framework," he added.

The EASF Director, Brigadier (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, praised the Republic of Djibouti for hosting the MPC and acknowledged the significance of the exercise.

“This CPX is not just a drill, it is a strategic investment in our readiness, interoperability, and ability to safeguard our maritime domain.” he stated.

He encouraged active and collaborative participation from all stakeholders to ensure realistic planning that mirrors regional complexities.

Kenneth Albert, IACS coordinator and Friends of EASF representative, reiterated the CPX’s core objectives as enhancing EASF’s role in regional maritime security, strengthening transnational maritime operations in line with existing frameworks, improving intelligence and information sharing among member states, and promoting collaboration and exchange of best practices between coastal and lake states.

He emphasized the need for sustained political will, expert engagement, financial backing, and alignment with the African Union’s 2050 Integrated Maritime Strategy for a prosperous and sustainable blue economy.

The Main Planning Conference will continue until Saturday, 21 June 2025.

The "Bahari Salama" planning conference marks a significant step forward in reinforcing regional solidarity, enhancing collective maritime capacity, and promoting peace and stability in Eastern Africa. The EASF remains committed to fostering deeper cooperation among its Member States and partners in pursuit of a secure and prosperous maritime environment for all.