An Ethiopian delegation led by Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director-General of International Relations and Military Cooperation of the Ministry of Defense, took part in the East African Standby Force (EASF) Council of Ministers of Defense and Security meeting in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Thursday(December 18).
During the meeting, the Ethiopian delegation reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in maintaining peace and security across the region. The delegation underscored Ethiopia’s longstanding dedication to peace by supporting efforts to ensure that the East African Standby Force (EASF) is fit for purpose. A committee of member states, including Ethiopia, is established to mobilize resources to address the funding challenges that the organization faces. Ethiopia plays an exemplary role by settling its financial arrears in advance and encourages member states to follow suit.
The 35th Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Council of Ministers of Defence and Security meeting discussed reports submitted by high-level Chiefs of Defence Staff (EACDS), focusing on regional security priorities and the review of key strategic planning documents. The meeting gets updates on the After-Action Review of the 1st EASF Maritime Exercise, which was conducted in the Republic of Djibouti by EASF Member States from 27th September to 17th October 2025. The Council underscored the need to conduct another Command Post Exercise to consolidate lessons learned and the need to expedite the development of EASF Maritime Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). It also emphasized the need to ensure that Member States nominate personnel who have undergone training to participate in the exercise.
The meeting also received a presentation of the Draft EASF Activity Plan 2026, which marks the first phase of implementation of the EASF strategic plan 2026-2030. The Executive Staff positions due for rotation have been approved by the Council in accordance with the EASF Staff Rotation Matrix.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hamza Abdi Barre, reaffirmed the strategic role of the EASF within the regional and continental security architecture. Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, who served as Chair of the Council of Ministers of Defense and Security over the past year, highlighted the importance of collective responsibility and sustained cooperation in addressing shared security challenges. The Federal Republic of Somalia has officially handed over the chairmanship of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) to Uganda during the 35th Ordinary Policy Organs Meeting.
EASF Director Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Paul Kahuria Njema emphasized that EASF Policy Organs remain a critical platform for coordination, strategic guidance, and informed decision-making on regional peace and security.
The EASF Policy Organ Meetings began on December 13 with the Experts Working Group, followed by the Committee of Chiefs of Defense and Security Staff, and concluded with the Council of Ministers on December 18.