EASF Holds Regional HANDS Capacity Enhancement Workshop in Comoros

The Eastern Africa Standby Force conducted the Humanitarian Assistance and Natural Disaster Support (HANDS) Capacity Enhancement and Action Planning Workshop in Moroni, hosted by the Union of the Comoros, from April 13–17, 2026. The workshop brought together representatives from EASF member states, humanitarian experts, and development partners to strengthen regional disaster preparedness and humanitarian response mechanisms.

The five-day workshop focused on validating and finalizing member state capability pledges, developing Capability Development Sheets (CDS), and formulating a comprehensive regional action plan for rapid response to humanitarian crises and natural disasters. The initiative is part of an African Union directive aimed at enhancing rapid deployment and coordinated emergency response across Eastern Africa. 

Opening the workshop, the Guest of Honour, Secretary General for Interior, Decentralization and Territorial Administration, Hon. Mohamed Ali Abdallah, welcomed delegates to Comoros and emphasized the importance of regional solidarity in addressing disasters worsened by climate change. He noted that island and coastal states, including Comoros, face increasing threats from cyclones, flooding, volcanic activity, and coastal erosion, requiring stronger collective preparedness and response systems. 

The Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force, Brigadier (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, highlighted progress made in developing the HANDS framework through previous workshops held in Burundi, Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. He stressed the need to transition from planning to implementation by strengthening the HANDS Task Force, improving data validation, and enhancing operational readiness. 

EASF Civilian Advisor and IACS Coordinator, Kenneth Albert, thanked the Government of Comoros for hosting the workshop and acknowledged the support of the Kingdom of Denmark in advancing regional humanitarian and disaster response efforts. He urged member states to identify additional land, sea, and air response capacities to ensure effective and timely regional disaster interventions.

Secretary General