Chiefs of Defence Meet

The 28th Ordinary Session of EASF's Policy Organs' Meetings of the Chiefs of Defence (CDF) was officially opened on Wednesday 16th December, 2020 at Radisson Blu Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda.

POM is a series of three high-level meetings conducted as per the EASF regulations.

It was the Guest of Honour, Lt. Gen. Jean Jacques Mupenzi, the Army Chief of Staff from the Rwanda Defence Force who officially opened the CDF’s meeting. In his address to the delegates from EASF member states, Lt. Gen. Jean Jacques Mupenzi, pointed out the great achievements of the EASF particularly, in the discharge of its mandate in promoting peace in the region.
 
In his welcoming remarks, the Chairperson of the Committee of Chiefs of Defence, Amb. Ahamada Amadi from Union of Comoros, thanked the host nation, the government of Rwanda for hosting the policy organ meetings. He said ‘’Distinguished Chiefs, for the organization to run its affairs smoothly, it will require timely resources. I therefore urge you to continue supporting the organization especially through timely submission of our assessed contributions to enable the running of the affairs of the organization. In the same vein I would like to express sincere gratitude to our partners. They have been part of this journey from the start and we look forward to working together further to realize our vision, mission and beyond.’’ concluded Ambassador Amadi.

The Director of EASF, Brig. Gen. Getachew highlighted the importance of the EASF Policy Organs Meetings added ‘role of the Friends of EASF in the implementation of our activities, I want to recognize and appreciate our partners who have continued to be with us through difficult times. The African Union through African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), the United Kingdom, the Nordic Countries (the Royal Kingdom of Denmark, the Republic of Finland and the Kingdom of Norway) for being pivotal in funding our activity plans.’’ Said the Director.

Following the CDF meeting the Ministers of Defence will meet on Friday 18th December to follow up and take decisions of the recommendations on policy matters from both the Experts Working Group meeting and the CDF’s meeting.  Except for Burundi and Seychelles who are attending the meeting virtually, all the other EASF member states are represented at the policy organs meeting.