EASF Open Day in Burundi Successfully Concluded

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EASF Open Day in Burundi Successfully Concluded

The EASF Open Day in Burundi was held in at the capital city, Bujumbura, on 20^th April 2018. Starting in 2015, the regional peace-keeper has been rolling out a series of Open Days in its Member States in order to shed more light on its activities to the general public.

The open day started with a peace walk, which was flagged off by the Chief Guest Hon. Emmanuel Ntahomvukiye, who is the Minister for National Defence and Former Combatants of the Republic of Burundi. On behalf of the Government, the Chief Guest appreciated the progress of EASF as a ready capability for peace and security in the region and thanked the Secretariat for scheduling the EASF Open Day in Burundi.

In his opening speech, the EASF Director, Dr. Abdilahi Omar Bouh thanked the Government of Burundi for hosting the EASF Open Day and according the entire team from the EASF Secretariat support in order to ensure the success of the event. He expressed his gratitude to the Guest of Honor for gracing this important event on EASF's calendar despite his busy schedules. Dr. Bouh explained EASF's position in the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) as well as the organization's mandate in regards to Peace Support Operations (PSOs).

The Chairperson of the Friends of EASF, Colonel Joern Rasmussen congratulated EASF on the implementation of its Advocacy Policy and expressed the Friends' readiness to support the Standby Force in various areas. Colonel Rasmussen, who is also the Danish Defence Attache to Kenya, was one of the key architects of the EASF Communications' and Advocacy Strategy 2015-2020 during his tenure as the Danish Technical Advisor to EASF.

The Burundi Chief of Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Prime Niyongabo and the Inspector General of Police, Police Commissioner Andre Ndayambaje also attended the event.

The climax of the event was presentations by key speakers on peace and security followed by an open session of discussions. Participants during the event included civil servants, colleges/universities, Friends and Partners of EASF and members of the public.

The final vote of thanks to the Government and the People of Burundi was given by the EASF Head of Peace Operations' Department, Brigadier Albert Kendagor.

Photo Gallery: EASF Open Day in Burundi Successfully Concluded

The EASF Director (left) hands over the flag to the Burundi Defence Minister (right)
The Minister for Defence flags off the Peace Walk
The walk will follow designated streets in Bujumbura
The Peace Walk conveys the message of peace to the general public
Civilians, police and military personnel take part in the walk
EASF Open Days in Member States were rolled out in 2015 for the first time
University and college students taking part in the walk
The Minister for Defence (left), the Director and other officials during the walk
The EASF Head of Peace Operations' Department carries the EASF flag
The Chairman, Friends of EASF takes over the flag from Head of Peace Operations' Department
The Danish Technical Advisor to EASF flies the EASF flag high
The Military band entertains the crowds along the entire way
The Minister for Defence delivers his keynote speech after the walk
The EASF Director addresses the participants
The Chairman, Friends of EASF delivers his message to the participants
One of the selected speakers addresses the public
A university student poses a question
The EASF Director explains the mandate and responsibilities of the Standby Force
The EASF Military Chief of Staff (left) and the Human Resource Officer (2nd left) during the question and answer session
A substantial number of people have shown interest in the event
Three members of EASF staff during the occasion
The Head of Peace Operations' Department gives a word of thanks at the close of the occasion
The Minister for Defence (left) hands over the flag back to the Director
Senior officials (hosts and guests) pose for a group photograph