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The annual Council of Defence Ministers from the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) officially began on Saturday in Mogadishu, Somalia. The high-level meeting brings together defence leaders from EASF member countries to discuss how to strengthen security and cooperation across the region.
Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, chaired the opening session. In his speech, he welcomed the delegates and thanked them for their ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in Eastern Africa.
“It is a great honor for Somalia to host this year’s EASF meeting,” said Minister Fiqi. “As the current chair, we are committed to supporting peace, security, and development throughout the region.”
The minister noted that Eastern Africa faces several major challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, political instability, and the effects of climate change. He stressed the importance of working together as a region to tackle these threats, urging member states to take joint action and strengthen their partnerships.
Fiqi praised the work done by military experts and technical teams in the sessions leading up to the ministerial meeting. He said these earlier discussions had laid a strong foundation for future planning and cooperation.
“Our goal is to agree on key strategies that will guide the EASF in the years ahead,” he said, expressing hope that the meeting would result in practical steps toward greater unity and defense coordination among member countries.
He also thanked the EASF Secretariat and all the participating nations for their continued support and dedication to regional security.
During his address, Fiqi highlighted the important role played by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). He thanked ATMIS member states for their help in Somalia’s efforts to build peace and stability. He noted that their contributions have made a real difference, especially during difficult times in the country’s recent history.
Fiqi emphasized that Somalia is proud to host the EASF gathering, especially at a time when the country is holding the rotating leadership of the organization. He said the event shows Somalia’s growing commitment and ability to contribute to regional peacebuilding.
The minister concluded by calling on all EASF member states to continue working closely together, not just during the meeting, but through regular cooperation and shared goals in the months and years ahead. He said that unity, communication, and shared responsibility are key to keeping the region safe and stable.
The EASF is a regional force made up of military, police, and civilian components from member countries in Eastern Africa. It was created to respond quickly to security threats and humanitarian crises in the region. The organization plays a major role in promoting peace and security through joint operations, training, and strategic planning.
As the meeting continues, defence ministers are expected to review current security issues, explore ways to improve regional readiness, and discuss how the EASF can support peacekeeping and stability missions in the future.