US Africa Command’s Exercise Justified Accord 2023 begins in Kenya
The Rwanda Defence Force has sent military personnel in the multinational exercise codenamed Justified Accord 23 (JA23) from February 13 to 24. NEW TIMES COURTESY
Justified Accord is U.S. Africa Command’s largest exercise in East Africa. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), this multinational exercise brings together more than 20 countries from four continents to increase partner readiness for peacekeeping missions, crisis response and humanitarian assistance.
From Feb. 13-23, approximately 1,000 participants will take part in various events, primarily based in Nairobi and Isiolo, Kenya, with spoke locations in Uganda, Djibouti and Somalia.
JA23 features an African Union Staff Officer Course, a multinational live-fire field training exercise, humanitarian assistance projects, as well as defensive cyber exercises. This is the first year cyber has been incorporated into the exercise series.
“Justified Accord showcases the desire of U.S. and partner nations to increase readiness and interoperability when it comes to regional security and crisis response,” said Mr. F. Austin Blessard, SETAF-AF lead exercise planner for JA23.
Several U.S. Army forward-deployed units will participate in the exercise, including the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 2nd Security Forces Assistance Brigade, the 720th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachment and the 352nd Civil Affairs Command.
Additionally, the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program will be featured throughout JA23.
Soldiers from the Massachusetts National Guard share an SPP relationship with the Kenyan Defence Forces and are tasked with providing logistical and sustainment support for exercise participants.
“We’re extremely grateful for our hosts in Kenya, Uganda, Djibouti and Somalia,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Patrick Thibodeau, deputy commanding general of SETAF-AF. “It’s exciting to witness the military readiness and capabilities of a truly multinational force, all showcased right here in East Africa at Justified Accord.”
About SETAF-AF
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) is responsible for achieving U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Campaign Plan objectives while conducting all U.S. Army operations, exercises and security cooperation on the African continent.
