Kigali, 18 December 2020

The 28th session of the Eastern Africa Standby Force's Council of Ministers for Defence and Security meeting was held today 18 December 2020 in Kigali, where ministers approved the EASF strategic plan for the next five years.

In his opening remarks, the Minister of Defence of Rwanda, Maj Gen Albert Murasira said that the Council should focus on the best means and ways of effectively addressing the root causes of the conflicts and crises prevailing in Eastern Africa.

“I believe that if we continue to work together and coordinate our efforts, we will certainly achieve better results in preventing, managing and resolving conflicts, not only in Eastern Africa, but beyond. I am glad that, in generating our discussions, we always develop positive approaches that deepen our cooperation and bonds which focuses on conflict prevention.” he said

The EASF Director, Brig Gen Getachew Shiferaw Fayisa said that the council has made key decisions for EASF to operationalize its activities, adding that ministers have approved EASF strategic plan for the next five years and agreed upon the renewed support to strengthen the EASF financial status.

“In this meeting, the council of ministers also decided to include on a standby Force the contingent from Sudan. This is great news for EASF because it means that the number of our standby force is increased from 6000 to 7000; and this is a big number to support a peace support operation in our region,” Brig Gen Getachew said.

The 28th Policy Organs Meetings ended with a handover of the chairmanship of the EASF from Comoros to Djibouti.