EASF Launches First Maritime Command Post Exercise “Bahari Salama 1” in Djibouti

Doraleh Base, Djibouti — 7 October 2025 —The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) today officially launched its first-ever maritime command post exercise, Bahari Salama 1, at the Doraleh Base in Djibouti City. The event was held under the patronage of the Chief of Staff of the Djiboutian Armed Forces, General Zakaria Cheikh Ibrahim, marking a significant milestone in EASF’s operational readiness and regional maritime security cooperation.

The official opening was symbolized by the ceremonial handing over of the EASF flag and the exercise mandate. EASF Director, Brig. Gen. (Rtd.) Paul Kahuria Njema, handed over the flag and the mandate to General Zakaria Cheikh Ibrahim, who then passed them on to the Head of Mission, Mr. Kider Abobulgu. This symbolic gesture marked the official start of the exercise.

In his keynote address, Brig. Gen. (Rtd.) Njema welcomed all participants and highlighted the significance of maritime security in the region. “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,” he stated. 

He emphasized the need for enhanced interoperability, readiness, and coordination among EASF Member States to counter piracy, terrorism, illegal fishing, trafficking, and other transnational threats. He also expressed appreciation to the Government of Djibouti for its unwavering support in hosting the event, citing the country’s strategic location and consistent commitment to peace and security in the region. 

The Director further acknowledged the strong political will and operational commitment of EASF Member States. “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,” he said. 

The Djiboutian Coast Guard Commander, Colonel Wais Omar Bogoreh, also addressed the gathering. He praised the collaborative nature of the exercise, describing Bahari Salama 1 as “a critical mechanism for strengthening cooperation, collaboration, and information-sharing among regional and international maritime partners”. 

He reaffirmed Djibouti’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships in ensuring maritime safety and emphasized the importance of a unified response to evolving maritime threats. Quoting an African proverb, he concluded, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. 

The opening ceremony featured the African Union and Djiboutian national anthems, a flag-raising ceremony of all EASF Member States, and a ceremonial march by participating military, police, and civilian contingents. Over 180 participants attended, representing the member states. 

Bahari Salama 1 will run from 7 to 16 October 2025 and simulates a maritime crisis in a fictional state called Carana, located along the Red Sea. The scenario involves a multinational response to complex maritime security threats. 

The exercise is structured around five operational themes: counter-piracy, counter-illicit trafficking, counter-illegal fishing, counter-maritime terrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response. 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.