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A delegation from the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), led by its Director, Brig Gen Ronald RWIVANGA, today commenced a six-day verification exercise to assess the capabilities pledged by the Republic of Rwanda to the regional standby force.

The exercise aims to assess and verify Rwanda’s pledged military, police and civilian capabilities to ensure their readiness, operational effectiveness and ability to support regional peace and security operations whenever required.

During the official opening ceremony held at RDF Headquarters, Maj Gen Dr Ephrem RURANGWA, Chief of Staff of the Military Health Service, welcomed the delegation on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff. He emphasised that verification exercises are essential to translating member states’ commitments into deployable capabilities. He further highlighted the importance of having trained, well-equipped, organised and adequately supported personnel ready for deployment.

In his remarks, the Head of Delegation, Brig Gen Ronald RWIVANGA, Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force, explained that the verification exercise forms part of EASF’s routine assessment of capabilities pledged by each member state. He noted that the exercise seeks to verify the readiness of military personnel and equipment, as well as the police component and civilian support structures, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Brig Gen RWIVANGA expressed confidence in Rwanda’s preparedness, stating that he had no doubt about the country’s readiness to fulfil its commitments to the regional force.

During the six-day exercise, the delegation will assess the Army, Air Force and Military Health Service capabilities pledged by Rwanda, including personnel and equipment.

Today, the delegation inspected a Motorised Battalion, a Military Police Company and a Level 2 Medical Unit. The team also assessed Rwanda’s pledged medical evacuation capabilities, including the Mi-17 helicopter and Caravan aircraft.

The delegation is also scheduled to inspect a Special Forces Squadron, a Light Infantry Battalion and the capabilities pledged by the Police Component.

The verification exercise marks an important step towards ensuring that Rwanda’s pledged capabilities meet the required standards of the Eastern Africa Standby Force and remain ready for deployment in support of regional peace support operations.