Eastern Africa Standby Force - EASF

EASF Holds Friends of EASF Meeting in Nairobi

Nairobi, Wednesday, 13 May 2026 — The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) convened the Friends of EASF Meeting at Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel, bringing together senior military leadership, Member States, development partners and diplomatic representatives to review progress and strengthen regional cooperation on peace and security.

The Friends of EASF platform continues to serve as a key pillar of Africa’s peace and security architecture, providing a forum for dialogue on operational priorities, strategic planning and responses to emerging security challenges in the region.

The meeting featured briefings on EASF operations, the regional security situation and the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, followed by interactive discussions aimed at enhancing coordination among stakeholders.

Outgoing EASF Director Brigadier (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema thanked Member States and partners for their support, calling for sustained and innovative resource mobilization and stronger African ownership of peace and security financing. He stressed that “African solutions to African problems” must be translated into practical action and urged continued unity as he handed over leadership.

Incoming EASF Director Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga expressed appreciation for a smooth transition and thanked partners for their continued support. He emphasized collective responsibility, including engagement with the private sector, and pledged to build on the strong foundation laid by his predecessor while strengthening EASF’s mandate across the region.

Friends of EASF Chairperson Colonel Lasse Sand commended progress made in regional cooperation and noted Denmark’s continued support to the Integrated Mission Planning Concept. He highlighted challenges posed by shifting global priorities and reduced funding, while pointing to opportunities in enhanced humanitarian response and multi-domain capabilities.

The meeting concluded with renewed commitment to partnership, cohesion and sustainable support for regional peace operations.

The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) wishes all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day.
We celebrate your strength, love, sacrifice, and the vital role you play in building peaceful and resilient communities across our region.
Thank you for your endless care and inspiration — today and every day.

EASF Holds Regional HANDS Capacity Enhancement Workshop in Comoros

The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) successfully conducted the Humanitarian Assistance and Natural Disaster Support (HANDS) Capacity Enhancement and Action Planning Workshop in Moroni, hosted by the Union of the Comoros, from 13–17 April 2026.

The workshop brought together representatives from EASF Member States, humanitarian experts, and development partners to strengthen regional coordination in disaster preparedness and emergency response.

Discussions focused on validating and finalizing Member State capability pledges, developing Capability Development Sheets (CDS), and formulating a practical regional action plan for faster and more coordinated response to disasters and humanitarian crises.

Opening the workshop, the Guest of Honour, Hon. Mohamed Ahmed Assoumani, Minister for Interior, Decentralization and Territorial Administration of Comoros, underscored the growing impact of climate change on island and coastal states, including Comoros. He called for stronger regional solidarity to address increasing threats such as cyclones, flooding, volcanic activity, and coastal erosion.

The Director of EASF, Brig. (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, emphasized the shift from planning to implementation, highlighting the need to strengthen the HANDS Task Force and improve data validation for effective operational readiness.

EASF Civilian Advisor and IACS Coordinator, Kenneth Albert, thanked the Government of Comoros and partners including the Kingdom of Denmark for their support, urging Member States to expand identified response capabilities across land, sea, and air domains.

EASF Assesses Burundi Peacekeeping Training Centre in Bujumbura

The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) conducted an assessment of the Burundi Peacekeeping Training Centre (BPKTC) in Bujumbura, Burundi, from 23–24 April 2026, as part of its 2026 work programme and in response to an invitation from the Government of Burundi.

Led by the Director of EASF, Brigadier (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, the assessment team evaluated the institution’s governance structure, training programmes, infrastructure, logistics, and overall alignment with United Nations, African Union, and regional peacekeeping standards. The exercise also examined partnerships, funding mechanisms, and the centre’s capacity to deliver high-quality peace support training.

The assessment included briefings, document reviews, consultations with instructors, trainees, and stakeholders, site visits, benchmarking with other regional training centres, and a validation workshop.

Brig. (Rtd) Njema commended the Government and people of Burundi for their hospitality and emphasized the importance of strong training institutions in building professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights among peacekeepers.

The findings will guide strategic recommendations to strengthen the centre’s capacity and support its aspiration to become an EASF Centre of Excellence. The initiative also aligns with broader EASF efforts under the Humanitarian Assistance and Natural Disaster Support (HANDS) framework, aimed at improving regional preparedness and response to crises across Eastern Africa.

EASTERN AFRICA STANDBY FORCE COMMEMORATES THE 115TH INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Nairobi, Kenya – March 9, 2026. The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) marked the 115th International Women’s Day at its structures in Nairobi, Kenya, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Under the theme “Give to Gain,” the event celebrated the achievements of women in peace and security and other sectors while reaffirming the importance of advancing gender equality.

Keynote speaker Major General (Rtd) Fatuma Ahmed emphasized the need for continued efforts to empower women and girls, noting that when women are empowered, society as a whole benefits.

EASF Director Brigadier (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to promoting equality, mentorship, and leadership opportunities for women.

The celebration also included a tree-planting ceremony in Nairobi as a symbol of solidarity with the women of the Republic of Sudan.

EASF Concludes Combined Air Operations Manual Development Workshop in Entebbe

The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has concluded a five-day Combined Air Operations Manual Development Workshop held from 23–27 February 2026 at the Horizon Hotel in Entebbe, Uganda.

The workshop followed the successful verification of Member States’ pledged air capabilities in January 2026 and marks a significant step toward strengthening regional preparedness for humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.

Aligned with the 9 July 2002 Protocol establishing the African Union Peace and Security Council, the initiative supports the Africa Standby Force’s mandate to respond to major natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

Participants jointly developed and validated key sections of the Combined Air Operations Manual, harmonized Standard Operating Procedures for planning and conducting air operations, and formulated core provisions of a Memorandum of Understanding to guide deployment, command and control, and employment of pledged air assets.

Funded by the Royal Danish Government through the Danish Civilian Advisor to EASF, the workshop brought together air operations technical experts and legal officers from Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda have pledged transport aircraft, reconnaissance drones and medical evacuation capabilities to the EASF framework.

Addis Ababa Commemorates 130th Anniversary of Adwa Victory

Addis Ababa, March 1, 2026 - The Director of the Eastern African Standby Force (EASF), Paul Kahuria Njema, joined senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and a large gathering of the public at the Adwa Victory Memorial to mark the 130th anniversary of the historic Battle of Adwa.

The commemoration was held in a festive atmosphere filled with pride and patriotism, reflecting the enduring significance of Ethiopia’s victory at Adwa. The 1896 triumph remains a powerful symbol of African resilience, unity, and the defense of sovereignty.

The program featured remarks by the Guests of Honor and other distinguished speakers, who underscored the historical importance of the victory and its relevance to contemporary generations.

The celebration also included theatrical performances depicting the atmosphere of the battle and the determination of Ethiopian people.

Children’s performances added a vibrant cultural dimension to the event, while a documentary film revisited the historical context and lasting impact of the Battle of Adwa.

The ceremony concluded with a military parade showcasing the strength and discipline of Ethiopia’s armed forces.

EASF Director Participates in African Ministers of Defence Conference During 130th Anniversary of the Battle of Adwa..

Addis Ababa, March 1, 2026 — The Director of the Eastern African Standby Force (EASF) Brig. (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, joined defence leaders from across Africa in Addis Ababa as Ethiopia marked the 130th anniversary of the historic Battle of Adwa.

The commemorations included the Second African Ministers of Defence Conference, hosted by Ethiopia’s Minister of Defence, Aisha Mohammed M***a.

The meeting brought together ministers and defence representatives from Kenya, South Sudan, Zambia and other African countries, alongside international delegations.

Speaking at the conference, Minister Mohammed described the 1896 victory over Italy as a defining moment for Ethiopia and the African continent. She said Adwa affirmed the principle that all nations, regardless of size, have the right to sovereignty and equal standing in the international community.

“Adwa reminds the world of the strength that comes from unity, courage and shared purpose,” she said, calling for greater continental cooperation to address emerging security and development challenges.

In his remarks, the EASF Director characterized Adwa as “a continental awakening,” urging African nations to strengthen strategic autonomy, build resilient institutions and deepen regional security collaboration.

The anniversary is being commemorated under the theme “Glorious Past, Radiant Horizon.”

EASF Director Joins Ethiopia’s 130th Adwa Anniversary Celebrations

Addis Ababa, 28 February 2026 - The Director of the Eastern African Standby Force Brig. (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, is participating in Ethiopia’s celebrations marking the 130th anniversary of the Battle of Adwa, attended by regional and international delegations.

On the first day of the festivities, visiting delegations toured key institutions in Addis Ababa, including the Entoto Park Science Museum, the Adwa Memorial Museum, and the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute. The programme also included a city tour, highlighting the nation’s historical landmarks and technological development .

The Battle of Adwa, fought on March 1, 1896, was a landmark victory for Ethiopia, where Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul’s forces defeated the invading Italian army.

This triumph safeguarded Ethiopia’s independence during the Scramble for Africa. The victory also became a symbol of resilience and unity, inspiring anti-colonial movements across the continent and fostering national pride that continues to this day.

Organizers of the 130th anniversary celebrations said the events emphasize Ethiopia’s dual identity as a nation proud of its history and committed to progress. The tour of museums and the Artificial Intelligence Institute highlighted the country’s focus on innovation, science, and technological development alongside its cultural heritage.

By commemorating Adwa, Ethiopia honors the courage and leadership of its ancestors while promoting a forward-looking vision that seeks to advance education, research, and development across multiple sectors. The anniversary of Adwa is a powerful reminder of the nation’s enduring spirit and its role as a symbol of African sovereignty and progress.

EASF Director Meets Kenya’s Inspector General to Strengthen Regional Security Cooperation

On 25 February 2026, the Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), Brig. (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, led a delegation on a courtesy call to the Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS), Mr. Douglas Kanja, in Nairobi.

The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration between EASF and Kenya’s National Police Service in advancing regional peace and security.

Inspector General Kanja reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to working closely with EASF to address evolving security challenges across Eastern Africa. He emphasized the importance of coordinated responses, information sharing, and joint initiatives in strengthening regional stability.

EASF Director described the engagement as a key pillar of the EASF Strategic Plan 2026–2030, particularly under Pillar Three, which promotes collaborative partnerships and strategic cooperation for peace and security. He noted that strong institutional relationships with national security agencies are essential for improving preparedness and rapid response capabilities.