EASF Boosts Collaboration for future Deployment

As part of the preparations for future deployment in Peace Support Operations (PSOs), EASF kicked off an initiative to enhance collaboration with the Kenya Rapid Deployment Capability (KRDC). 

This was during a round table meeting that was conducted between EASF Management and  senior officials of KRDC  on 18^th January 2017 at the EASF Secretariat in Nairobi.

Amb Issimail Chanfi led the EASF team while the KRDC delegation was headed by Brig George Walwa.

Discussions centered around the mandating process for deployment, maintenance of skills already acquired, financial and logistical support.

EASF presented an update on the status of readiness of the joint force.  This includes the legal framework, forces pledged, verified and available on standby,  a start-up kit and a contingency plan, all aimed at facilitating EASF to move rapidly into a peace operations mission if need arises. Amb Chanfi emphasised the political will that EASF has enjoyed since inception.  This includes support from the Heads of state and Government, the Africa Union as well as EASF Friends and partners.  

Brig Walwa emphasised the importance of enhancing interoperability among the ten EASF member states to enable them approach peace support operations from a cohesive and harmonious manner.

A key outcome of the meeting was a decision further pursue areas that will consolidate the already developed capacities among member states.  This includes joint mission planning, regular monitoring of conflict in the region, information sharing as well as joint trainings.  The team further agreed to develop a plan to roll out this initiative  to the other nine member states.

KRDC is one among several tools available to EASF to support future deployment.