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Kigali, 21 December 2024

The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) concluded its 33rd Policy Organs Meeting today, 21 December 2024, after six days of deliberations at the Kigali Convention Centre.

The closing ceremony was preceded by the meeting of the Council of Ministers of Defence and Security of the EASF, which discussed and endorsed the outcomes of previous sessions held by the EASF Chiefs of Defence Staff and the Experts Working Group. This session also marked the conclusion of Rwanda’s chairpersonship of the organisation, with the leadership being handed over to Somalia.

The Guest of Honour at the Council of Ministers of Defence and Security meeting was Amb. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. In his opening remarks, he called on the Council to reflect on the peace and security challenges facing Africa, review the recommendations of the EASF Chiefs of Defence Staff, assess progress, address challenges, and explore opportunities ahead.

“The Council must focus on effectively addressing the root causes of conflicts and crises in the Eastern Africa region. I firmly believe that through continued collaboration and coordination, we can achieve better outcomes in preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts, not only in Eastern Africa but across the entire continent,” said Amb. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe.

The outgoing Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of Defence and Security, Hon. Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda, extended heartfelt thanks in his closing remarks to the EASF Chiefs of Defence Staff for their commendable work, as well as to the Experts Working Group and the Secretariat for their significant contributions to the success of the meeting.

He reiterated the EASF’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in the region stating “Our mission to ensure peace and security in our region is a shared responsibility, and I look forward to our continued collaboration in achieving this noble goal."

Other dignitaries also delivered remarks during the closing ceremony, including the Chairperson of the Panel of Elders and former President of Burundi, H.E Sylvestre Ntibantunganya, the Chairperson of the Friends of EASF, Jens Gynther Lindvig, and the EASF Secretariat Director, Brig Gen (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema.