Security experts from across Africa have converged in Nairobi for the 7th Annual African Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Conference, hosted by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). The three-day event, which commenced on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in Embakasi, aims to bolster regional collaboration in detecting, preventing, and responding to the escalating threat of IEDs.

Lieutenant General John Omenda, the Vice Chief of Kenya Defence Forces (VCDF), officially opened the conference. He emphasised the critical need for continental solidarity, inter-agency cooperation, and international collaboration to effectively address the evolving complexity and lethality of IEDs.

Historical and Political Context

Kenya has a painful history with IED attacks, having lost soldiers, police officers, and innocent civilians to these devices. The KDF's commitment to regional security is particularly significant given Kenya's proximity to Somalia, a region where IED threats are prevalent. IEDs are a preferred weapon for terrorist groups, including Al-Shabaab, due to their unconventional nature and devastating impact.

The Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in Embakasi, a key training platform of the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC), is well-suited to host this conference. HPSS specialises in providing high-quality training in mine action, disaster management, peace support operations, and C-IED related courses.

Laws/Policy and Governance

The conference underscores a continental approach to creating situational awareness of IED threats and sharing best practices. This aligns with broader efforts by the African Union and the United Nations to deliver essential training and operational guidance to deter the influence of IEDs and extremist groups.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Over 70 defence representatives from more than 25 countries are attending the conference, alongside delegates from the British Peace Support Team-Africa (BPST-A), the African Union, and the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS). Lieutenant General Omenda highlighted that IEDs indiscriminately target peacekeepers, security forces, humanitarian workers, and civilians, eroding trust within communities and undermining peace support operations.

Evidence/Data

• The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism reports an annual 12% increase in the use of IEDs by non-state actors in Africa.
• Between January 2017 and April 2020, IED blasts killed 153 African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops and 489 Somali security forces.
• Since 2016, the C-IED wing at HPSS has trained over 7,500 military and police personnel from Troop and Police Contributing Countries in detecting and disarming IEDs.

Risks/Implications

Beyond immediate destruction and tragic loss of life, IEDs perpetuate cycles of insecurity, fear, and displacement. They stall development and weaken state structures, making it harder to build societal resilience. The indiscriminate nature of IED attacks poses a significant threat to peace and stability across Africa.

Timeline and Next Steps

The 7th Annual African C-IED Conference runs from Tuesday, October 7, 2025, to Thursday, October 9, 2025. Participants are expected to engage in comprehensive discussions to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices. The insights gained are intended to be taken back to their respective countries to strengthen national and regional C-IED efforts.

What to Watch

Observers will be keen to see the actionable strategies and enhanced coordination mechanisms that emerge from the conference. The emphasis on continental solidarity and inter-agency cooperation suggests a push towards more integrated security responses across Africa. The continued support from international partners like the UK and Germany, who have funded the C-IED center at HPSS, will also be crucial.