Council of Ministers for Defence Meets in Uganda

The 30th edition of the Eastern Africa Standby Force’s Council of Ministers for Defence and Security meeting was officially opened on Friday 17th December, 2021 at the ‘Speke Resort’ in Uganda.

The EASF Policy Organs’ Meetings have three levels namely; the Experts Working Group meeting, the Committee of Chiefs of Defense and Security meeting and the Council of Ministers Defense and Security meeting.

The Guest Honor, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, Minister of State, General Duties from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs of Uganda graced the assembly by his presence and in his speech, he commended EASF for the hard work over the years. He further called on all actors to address the security challenges that confront our region.

‘’Through our collaborated efforts, the continent will benefit, conflict is at our door steps, and being the ambassadors of peace, this is the right time to review our policies and strategies to address these conflicts’’ added the Minister. He concluded by wishing everyone a peaceful and joyful festive season.

On his part, the Director of EASF Brig Gen Getachew Shiferaw Fayisa applauded the host country, Uganda for its excellent hospitality and warmth. He said ‘’we are faced with many security challenges in our region from terrorism, cross border crime and illicit trafficking and this is why we need to continuously promote the values of peace and security’’ pointed out the Director.
 
The Chairperson of the Friends of EASF was represented by the Civilian Advisor, Mr. Peter Zartsdahl, who stressed on the importance of having the political willingness of from the Heads of State to reflect on the widening the scope of EASF’s mandate to include humanitarian, natural disasters and asymmetric threats in terms of capacity and resources. ‘’The Friends of EASF also looks forward to the Command Post Exercise due to take place in Kenya, next year and for us to assess our priorities and focus on our work with EASF in that respect’’ concluded Mr. Zartsdahl.

The Chairperson of EASF, Taher Ali Mohamed thanked the host nation, the government of Uganda for hosting the Policy Organs’ Meetings. He also called on all present to continue to support the EASF and support the promotion of peace in our region.

Change of Chairpersonship
To close the 30th Policy Organs’ Meetings, the traditional ceremony of rotation of bureau took place alongside the ceremonial parade from the Uganda's Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) where the EASF flag was handed over to Ethiopia as the new Chair from the outgoing Chair, which is the Republic of Djibouti. The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has also confirmed that Ethiopia will host the 31st Policy Organs’ Meetings in 2022.

 Below: Delegates taking part in the opening ceremony of the meeting of the Council of Ministers for Defence and Security of the Eastern Africa region pose for a group photograph on 17th December 2021.