EASF's Working Visit to Djibouti

A delegation of Eastern African Standby Force (EASF) led by Director, Brig. Gen. Getachew Shiferaw Fayisa, paid a five-day work visit to Djibouti at the beginning of March. (Photo: Delegation of EASF and Hon. Hassan Omar Mohamed - the Minister of Djibouti National Defense [3rd from right])

The aim of the visit was to update the Minister of Defense of Djibouti and Chair of the Council of EASF on the operations of the organization. It was also an opportunity for the delegation to discuss how Member States would maximize their support towards the organization and enhance collaboration with stakeholders, including Friends of EASF and other potential partners.

During the meeting, the Director briefed the Chair of Council of EASF on preparations for the Initial Planning Conference (IPC), scheduled to take place in the Union of Comoros during the last week of March, 2021. The Director also updated the Chairperson on strategies in place to enhance resource mobilization and other pertinent developments in the organization. The Chief of Staff of Djibouti armed forces, Gen Zakaria Cheik Ibrahim also attended the meeting.
 
The Minister, Hon. Hassan Omar Mohamed, thanked the Director and his delegation on behalf of Member States for the work the Secretariat is doing. He assured the delegation of his support during his tenure as Chair of Council. While the chair expressed concern about the persistent conflict in the region, including conflicts among EASF member states, he was optimistic that through cooperation and understanding the region would be able to realize peace and stability.

 While in Djibouti, the EASF delegation paid a courtesy call on the IGAD Secretariat, where it was welcomed by the Executive Director, Dr. Workineh Gabeyahu. The two leaders discussed a number of issues of mutual interest, that could enhance cooperation between the two Organizations. Dr. Workineh Gabeyahu appreciated the visit by the EASF leadership and expressed his readiness to put in place a framework for cooperation with EASF, in order to create synergies, vital for enhancing peace, security and development in the region.

The delegation of EASF also visited different institutions like the Djiboutian Institute of Diplomatic Studies (IED), International School for Further Training in the Practice of the Judicial Police (E13PJ) and paid a courtesy call on the Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), Maj Gen Lapthe C Flora.
 
In addition, the EASF delegation visited the National Police Academy and the Djibouti Coast Guard, and were briefed on a number of activities that are key in enhancing national and regional peace and stability. The Director EASF was accompanied by Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke (Head of Peace Operations Department), Col John Njenga (AU Liaison Officer) and Colonel Ali Mohamed Robleh (Head of Police Component).