Role of military cooperation on security of East African region: Case of Rwanda Defence Force (2017-2021)

Abstract

This study entitled “Role of Military Cooperation on Security of East African Region case of Rwanda Defence Force (2017-2021)” The study was guided by the objectives such as to identify and analyze RDF activities contributing to the security of East African region, to examine challenges affecting RDF contribution to the security of the East African region and propose strategies aimed at addressing challenges and barriers to RDF contribution to the security of the East African region. This study combined case study research design with narrative method to achieve the set research objectives. In this study narrative study method was employed to acquire data from case study respondents. The study tools used are interviews and documentation and during data collection, all respondents were having equal chances to meet the researcher. To implement it, the researcher targeted 30 respondents from different levels of RDF and 25 from standby force. Therefore, for the case of this study, the sample size is 55, The findings showed that host nation denial for the deployment of RDF in joint operations are challenges for the implementation of those activities by RDF regional security, interest of external actors and historical background of armed groups are political related challenges for the implementation of RDF activities, late remittance of financial contribution by partner states that results into delays in procurement of logistic requirements are financial and logistical challenges for the implementation of RDF activities, planning for future event organized by the regional community and a proper forecasting of the requirements are doctrinal related challenges for the implementation of RDF activities in East African region and inconsistency of events/exercise participants to ensure continuity and standards are culture related challenges for the implementation of RDF activities in East African Region. Therefore, consistent communication with the organizers to ensure proper planning ahead of time in terms of infrastructure, finance, logistics and personnel are strategies to address the identified challenges to RDF for East African regional security.