The British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, officially opened the 6th Annual Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) Conference in Nairobi on August 27, 2024.
This crucial event brought together security experts from across the continent, united in their commitment to combat the growing threat of IEDs.
A Gathering of Security Experts
The conference, which commenced on 27th August 2024, serves as a platform for discussing current C-IED trends and threats, while also sharing lessons from Peace Support Operations (PSO) across Africa.
The initiative will lead the African Union’s efforts to combat the rising threat of IEDs with a targeted Counter-Explosive Ordinance strategy.
Objectives of the Conference
- Discussing Current Trends: Experts are focused on understanding the evolving nature of IED threats.
- Sharing Lessons Learned: Participants exchange insights from PSOs, particularly in regions like Somalia and the Kenyan borderlands.
- Strengthening Collaborations: The conference fosters partnerships between nations and international bodies to enhance C-IED capabilities.
The Growing Threat of IEDs
IEDs have become a prevalent threat across the continent, targeting peacekeeping personnel, national security forces, aid workers, and civilians.
The severity of their impact was highlighted by Neil Wigan, who remarked,
“The speed of development by our adversaries demands that we leverage our respective expertise and work together.”
The UK’s commitment to tackling these threats is underscored by its ongoing support through the British Peace Support Team (Africa) BPST(A). Since 2016, BPST(A), in collaboration with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), has trained over 1,700 military and police personnel from 22 countries.
These efforts are critical in enhancing the region’s capacity to detect and disarm IEDs, thereby safeguarding communities and contributing to global security.
UK’s Commitment to African Security
The UK’s role in this initiative is not just about addressing immediate threats. It’s also about building long-term resilience within African nations.
The British High Commissioner emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating,
“We will continue working closely with the AU and the UN to provide the much-needed training and operational direction to deter the influence of IEDs, al-Shabab, and other violent extremist organizations.”
UK’s C-IED Training Impact
Year |
Countries Involved |
Personnel Trained |
Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 10 | 500 | Detection and Disarmament |
| 2018 | 15 | 700 | Advanced IED Threat Analysis |
| 2020 | 18 | 900 | Community-Based IED Awareness |
| 2024 | 22 | 1,700 | Comprehensive C-IED Strategy |
Quotes from Key Figures
Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo, present at the conference, added,
“This collaboration has been instrumental in enhancing our capabilities. We’ve seen a significant improvement in our operational effectiveness against IED threats.”
Similarly, Brigadier Joyce Sitienei noted,
“The knowledge and skills imparted during these trainings are invaluable. They have not only saved lives but also strengthened our peacekeeping missions.”
A Unified Effort
The 6th Annual C-IED conference underscores the need for a unified approach to countering IED threats.
The event unites global expertise, fostering collaboration to secure a safer future for Africa and the world through joint efforts.
Sources: THX News & British High Commission Nairobi.
