Today, the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Chiefs of Defence joined the Experts Working Group at the 33rd Policy Organs meeting running from 16 to 21 December 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The EASF Chiefs of Defence reaffirmed their commitment to member states’ pledges and acknowledged the valuable suggestions and recommendations provided by the experts during three days of deliberations.
Presiding over the opening session, the Minister of Defence, Honourable Juvenal Marizamunda, praised the strong partnerships among member states in their ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability.
“We must continue working together across political, security, development, and humanitarian pillars, deepening our partnerships as member states, regional economic communities, mechanisms, and our umbrella organisation, the African Union, to effectively contribute to peace, security, and stability,” he said.
The Minister further urged EASF member states to enhance their response systems, adapt them to tackle existing challenges, and fully utilise their resources to foster peace and security across the region and the continent.
Speaking on behalf of the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) of the EASF, General MK Mubarakh, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, assured that the EASF Chiefs of Defence Staff remain committed to providing crucial guidance to improve the force’s operational readiness.
Brigadier General (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, the EASF Director, commended the Experts Working Group for their exchange of ideas and productive recommendations, which will significantly contribute to maintaining EASF’s readiness and enhancing conflict prevention efforts.
The 33rd Policy Organs Meeting (POM) coincides with EASF’s 20th anniversary, celebrated under the theme “Two Decades of Commitment to Promote Regional Peace and Security.” The organisation, now operational under the African Union’s umbrella, comprises ten member states. (End)