The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has successfully concluded a Children and Armed Conflict Course aimed at enhancing member states' capabilities to address the urgent issue of children affected by armed conflict. The course, which took place from October 14 to October 25, 2024, attracted military, police, and civilian participants from ten EASF member states. Held at the United Nations Regional Service Centre in Entebbe, the course focused on deepening participants' understanding of conflict dynamics and their impact on children, while fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among attendees. 

Brigadier General Stephen Kashure, Joint Chief of Staff of the EASF, emphasized the critical role of the force in protecting children in conflict zones. "Children are being forcefully recruited and participate in armed conflict," he stated, highlighting the necessity of addressing their urgent needs and supporting the reintegration of child soldiers into civilian life. 

Ms. Allen Ruhangataremwa, representing the EASF Head of Civilian Component, stressed the course's importance in assisting children impacted by armed conflict. She called for increased attention to their rights and noted that participants were equipped with essential tools to address child protection issues. These included recognizing developmental milestones, applying international legal frameworks, and implementing preventive and responsive measures. 

Participants hailed from ten EASF member states: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda. The course represents a significant step forward in enhancing regional capacities to protect vulnerable children in conflict situations.