Kenya's Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, welcomed high-level delegations from Sierra Leone and Azerbaijan at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi on November 21, 2025. The meetings aimed to strengthen military ties and fast-track cooperation agreements. Discussions highlighted historical partnerships and future diplomatic commitments.
On November 21, 2025, General Charles Kahariri, Kenya's Chief of the Defence Forces, received two distinct foreign delegations at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi. The visits underscore Kenya's efforts to bolster international defence relations.
The Sierra Leone group was headed by High Commissioner H.E. Lieutenant General (Rtd) Peter Kakowou Lavahun, who also acts as Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme and UN-Habitat. Joining him were Minister Plenipotentiary Mr. Abdul Karim Kargbo and Information Attaché Abu Bakar Dakowa. Supported by Colonel Samuel Olando from the Defence Relations Office and Colonel David Owili from the Strategic Plans and Policy Branch, the talks built on longstanding ties between the Kenya Defence Forces and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces. Kenya's role in stabilizing Sierra Leone amid conflicts from the late 1990s to early 2000s was acknowledged, alongside Sierra Leone's contributions to peace operations in Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia.
The parties agreed to accelerate the signing of a Defence Cooperation Agreement to formalize enhanced collaboration. General Kahariri emphasized that this pact would create a reliable framework, integrating defence into Kenya's foreign policy.
Separately, the Azerbaijan delegation, led by Minister of Defence Industries Vuqar Mustafayev, focused on deepening diplomatic bonds. Both sides reaffirmed dedication to mutual benefits, following the June 2025 celebration of 20 years of bilateral relations, which included opening Azerbaijan's embassy in Nairobi. These engagements aim to enhance Kenya's global strategic position through structured partnerships.