The Eastern Africa Standby Force held the Meeting of the Eastern Africa Council of Ministers of Defence and Security on 26^th January 2024 at the Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.

 The Meeting was a culmination of the 32^nd Ordinary Policy Organs Meetings of EASF, which was graced by the Guest of Honor and Chairperson of Council, Hon Aden Bare Duale, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Defence in the Republic of Kenya.

He observed that the Meeting marks an important milestone in efforts to advance peace, security and integration in the Eastern Africa Region. This is further exemplified by the current Policy Organs Meeting theme that aims to posture EASF as, "A Capability of Choice for Peace, Security, and Integration in the Eastern Africa Region," for a safer, more secure and integrated Eastern Africa. He further expressed gratitude to the EACDS for providing leadership and generating outcomes that will pave the path towards fulfilling EASF thematic objectives.

The Guest of Honor acknowledged the complex and dynamic challenges confronting the EASF Region and underscored the need to prioritize the enhancement of the Regional Defence and security capabilities as envisioned within the EASF Framework in support of the EASF mandate.

The Chairperson of the Friend of EASF acknowledged that as much as the primary focus of EASF is on peace and security, sustainable development is also critical and therefore the need to establish the root causes of conflicts, promoting good governance, and investment in socio-economic progress.

Given the economic constraints faced by Member States, he urged for alternative avenues for financing EASF through partnerships to augment financial contributions to sustain the activities of EASF. He further appreciated EASF Member States, the EASF Secretariat and Partners' support and commitment to the Regions’ shared aspirations.