From December 16 to 21, the city of Kigali became the focal point for a significant gathering of military leaders from across East Africa. Chiefs of Defense Forces (CDF) from the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), along with military experts, convened for the 33rd session of the Political Organ (POM), marking a major milestone in the region’s commitment to peace and security.
During the five-day meeting, the CDFs reaffirmed their dedication to implementing the decisions made by the countries of East Africa. They also considered the valuable insights and recommendations provided by military experts during the discussions held over the course of the three-day session. The focus was on strengthening regional cooperation and advancing the shared goal of peace and stability across the continent.
Rwanda’s Minister of Defense, Juvenal Marizamunda, praised the ongoing collaboration between East African Community (EAC) member states, highlighting the collective efforts being made to foster peace and security in the region. Minister Marizamunda emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in areas such as political dialogue, security, development, and humanitarian action.
“We must continue to work together in the pillars of politics, security, and development,” he stated. “This cooperation not only strengthens our ties as member states but also enhances our collective contribution to the African Union’s efforts in promoting peace and stability on the continent.”
The Minister also called on the nations providing troops to the EASF to step up their efforts, particularly in humanitarian missions, to address the challenges facing the region. By leveraging their resources and capabilities, he urged, they could make a more substantial impact in maintaining peace and security, both regionally and continent-wide.
The meeting also provided a platform for the EASF Chiefs of Defense Forces to discuss the ongoing operational readiness of their forces. Rwanda’s Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Mubarakh Muganga, reassured his counterparts that they remain steadfast in their commitment to enhancing the operational capabilities of the regional forces, ensuring they are prepared to respond to emerging challenges.
Brigadier General (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, Director-General of EASF, expressed his gratitude to the expert team for their constructive feedback and practical advice. He noted that their recommendations would significantly improve the EASF’s ability to prevent conflicts and maintain peace in the region.
The 33rd Political Organ meeting coincided with a momentous occasion—the 20th anniversary of the EASF. The theme of the anniversary celebrations, “20 Years of Commitment to Regional Peace and Security,” highlighted the long-standing dedication of the force to its mission of promoting stability across East Africa.
EASF, operating under the African Union, is composed of ten member states: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda. Together, these nations continue to strengthen their partnership, determined to uphold peace and security in a region that is pivotal to the broader African landscape.
