Kigali Hosts EASF Chiefs’ Meeting, Marks 20 Years of Regional Peace Efforts

From December 16 to 21, Kigali hosted an important meeting of military leaders from across East Africa. Chiefs of Defense Forces (CDF) of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) met with military experts for the 33rd session of the Political Organ (POM), an event that highlighted the region’s ongoing commitment to peace and security.

The gathering was an opportunity for the CDFs to reaffirm their dedication to the shared goals of East African countries, particularly in ensuring peace and stability. During the meeting, military leaders discussed key strategies and considered recommendations made by the experts, all aimed at strengthening their collective efforts.

Rwanda’s Minister of Defense, Juvenal Marizamunda, expressed his appreciation for the strong cooperation between East African Community (EAC) countries, stressing the importance of continued collaboration to promote peace, security, and development in the region. He urged countries to remain united in their commitment to the African Union’s peacekeeping efforts.

“We must continue to work together across political, security, and humanitarian efforts to strengthen our region,” Minister Marizamunda said. “Our cooperation is essential not only for our countries but for the entire African continent.”

The Minister also called on the nations contributing troops to the EASF to enhance their humanitarian efforts and use their resources to tackle the region’s challenges. By working together, he emphasized, they can have a stronger impact on maintaining peace and stability.

The meeting also served as a platform for the Chiefs of Defense Forces to discuss improving the readiness and capabilities of their forces. Rwanda’s Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Mubarakh Muganga, reassured his colleagues that they would continue to work together to improve the operational effectiveness of the regional forces, ensuring they are prepared for any future challenges.

Brigadier General (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, Director-General of EASF, thanked the group of experts for their valuable input, which will help the force improve its ability to prevent and address conflicts in the region.

The 33rd Political Organ meeting was also a celebration of a significant milestone—EASF’s 20th anniversary. Under the theme “20 Years of Commitment to Regional Peace and Security,” the anniversary highlighted the progress made over the past two decades in fostering peace across East Africa.

EASF, which operates under the African Union, currently includes ten member states: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda. Together, these nations continue to work towards a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future for the region.