Experts from Eastern Africa Community (EAC) partner states gathered in Kigali on Monday, November 18, in a multi-agency expert working group meeting looking to develop standard operating procedures and protocols for handling chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high yield explosives (CBRNE) threats within EAC militaries.
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The CBRNEs are types of weapons that can create both mass casualties as well as mass disruption of society. Emergency responders are often taught how to recognize and mitigate attacks from such weapons. A disaster risk profile in Rwanda’s national disaster risk reduction and management policy also considers technological and industrial hazards.
Brig Gen Dr. Eugene Ngoga, the Commandant of Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital, welcomed the experts and highlighted the meeting's crucial outcomes.
He said: "Your presence here underscores our shared commitment to strengthening the collective security of our region and protecting our people from the complex and evolving challenges posed by CBRNE threats.”
Ngoga emphasized that the forum would enhance the region’s readiness and interoperability to ensure security.
"Through this forum, we are demonstrating the unity that underpins the EAC. Together, we have the opportunity to forge protocols and procedures that will enhance our readiness, improve our interoperability, and ensure the safety and security of our region,” he added.
Col Deng Mayom Manyang Malual, the Defence Liaison Officer from South Sudan, and representative of the EAC Secretary General, expressed confidence in the meeting’s success.
He praised the group of experts, including doctors, chemists, military personnel, police officers, and civilians, who came together to develop a comprehensive document that will guide the military operations of EAC partner states.
Rwanda’s national disaster risk reduction and management policy notes that the country’s long-term socio-economic development programmes focus on agriculture modernization and industrialization. The later however, it is noted, increase the risk of industrial hazards such as CBRNE events that can be accidental or voluntary actions.
As noted, it is therefore imperative to develop the awareness and preparedness for emergency areas within or near industrial installations. Preparedness involves building the capacity to identify risks and have appropriate reduction and management strategies.