Northern Corridor Defence Meeting in Kigali Concludes with Plans for Strengthened Regional Security
The Northern Corridor Integration Projects (NCIPs) Defence Cooperation Cluster Technical Committee concluded its consultations that were held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 8th to 10th January 2025. The purpose was to streamline the substance of various NCIP agreements, namely the mechanisms for the mutual defence pact; coordinating foreign affairs, defence, peace, and security policies; and methods for comprehensive conflict prevention, management, and resolution.
During the three-day meetings, the Defence Cooperation Cluster Technical Committee proposed practical recommendations to pave the way for the next senior officials’ session in preparation for the 15th NCIPs Summit.
In his closing remarks at the meeting, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, the Director General of International Military Cooperation, Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa commended collaborative efforts and constructive dialogue with the selected Technical Committee.
“I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all of you for your hard work and commitment. The collaborative efforts and constructive dialogue we have witnessed here have been truly commendable, and I am confident that the work you have done will provide a solid foundation for the upcoming consultations at Ministerial and, ultimately, Heads of State Level. This collaborative momentum will therefore continue to drive our collective efforts going forward. “Gen Karuretwa stressed.
The General further applauded the key outcomes of these discussions and said “Your dedication to advancing the NCIPs and strengthening our mutual defence cooperation is a testament to the spirit of collaboration and partnership that defines our shared objectives”.
The Northern Corridor is a regional development initiative established in 2013 during the inaugural Infrastructure Summit of the Heads of State of Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda later the Republic of South Sudan became a full member of the NCIP in 2018. Its goal was to accelerate regional growth by fostering collaboration in infrastructure, trade, and political cooperation to promote deeper regional integration.
