Eastern Africa Standby Force - EASF

EASF Director Strengthens Ties Through Courtesy Visit to Somalia Embassy in Nairobi

Nairobi, Kenya – 11 June 2026 – The Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, today paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Ambassador Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle at the Somali Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, accompanied by senior EASF officials.

The engagement forms part of a series of diplomatic outreach visits undertaken by EASF this month, aimed at strengthening cooperation with Member State Embassies in Nairobi and enhancing coordination on regional peace and security matters.

During the meeting, the Director briefed the Ambassador on EASF’s mandate as a regional standby arrangement under the African Peace and Security Architecture of the African Union, representing nine Eastern African countries.

He highlighted key achievements including attainment of Full Operational Capability, improved force generation, successful regional exercises such as Amani Africa, election observation missions, and fact-finding missions across the region.

Ambassador Abdulle welcomed the delegation and emphasized the importance of traditional peace mechanisms, particularly the role of elders in mediation and conflict prevention. He also highlighted the need to strengthen the civilian component in peacebuilding and encouraged EASF to tap into the African Union Peace Fund while expanding partnerships for sustainable support.

The Ambassador reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to continued collaboration with EASF in promoting peace, stability, and security in the region.

EASF Strengthens Engagement with Djibouti Through High-Level Courtesy Visit

The Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, today led a delegation on a courtesy call to the Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti to Kenya, H.E. Yacin Elmi Bouh, in Nairobi.

During the meeting, Brig. Gen. Rwivanga briefed the Ambassador on EASF’s mandate, mission, vision, and membership, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration among Member States in advancing peace, security, and stability across the Eastern Africa region.

The Director underscored the important role of both Ministries of Defense and Ministries of Foreign Affairs in supporting EASF’s regional peace and security agenda.

Ambassador Bouh commended EASF’s contribution to regional stability and stressed the need for collective efforts to address emerging security challenges. He thanked the delegation for the visit and reaffirmed Djibouti’s support for EASF’s objectives.

The meeting also explored opportunities to strengthen coordination among Member States, including a proposal for regular engagement among representatives of Ministries of Foreign Affairs based in Nairobi, which received the Ambassador’s support.

EASF Strengthens Cooperation through Courtesy Call at Uganda High Commission in Nairobi

On 4 June 2026, the Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, led a delegation on a courtesy call to the High Commission of the Republic of Uganda in Nairobi, Kenya.

The delegation included the Head of the Civilian Component, Ms. Monalisa Kakono, and Ms. Catherine Natukunda from the Eastern Africa Secretariat. They were received by the Deputy Head of Mission, H.E. Kigenyi Eunice, together with Ms. Adah Nshemereirwe, Ms. Juliet Kiggundu (First Secretary), and Ms. Doreen Ruyondo, Minister Counsellor.

The courtesy call aimed to strengthen cooperation between EASF and the Government of Uganda and enhance awareness of the EASF mandate in promoting peace and security across the Eastern Africa region.

Brig. Gen. Rwivanga briefed the High Commission on EASF’s mission, vision, and achievements in supporting regional peace and security initiatives.

H.E. Kigenyi Eunice welcomed the engagement and emphasized the need to broaden cooperation beyond defence and police channels. She highlighted the importance of preventive action in addressing emerging security threats before escalation.

She also noted the potential role of EASF in supporting regional electoral processes, including information sharing and election observation ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Elections.

Both sides agreed on the importance of strengthening coordination, enhancing information sharing, and establishing regular engagement mechanisms to deepen collaboration.

Small actions create lasting change.
EASF joins the world in promoting environmental responsibility for a peaceful and sustainable future.

Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, Director of EASF, congratulates Kenya on Madaraka Day and wishes the nation continued peace, prosperity, and progress.

Eid Al-Adha Mubarak!
EASF wishes you and your family peace, joy, and countless blessings during this special celebration. May the spirit of sacrifice and compassion inspire us all.

AU Delegation Visits EASF on ASF Training Directives

The Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, today welcomed a delegation from the African Union (AU) at the EASF Secretariat in Karen, Nairobi.

The AU mission, taking place from 25–27 May 2026, seeks to assess the implementation of the ASF Training Directives 2024–2026 and identify future training priorities for 2027–2029.

The delegation is led by Col. Nathaniels Sossoukpe, Head of Capability Development and Training Cell at the AU Commission, accompanied by Mr. Brian Makokha and Mr. Abemelek Merahi.

Speaking during the courtesy call, Brig. Gen. Rwivanga noted that the current Training Directives were jointly developed by the AU and RECs/RMs three years ago. He emphasized that the findings from the assessment mission will contribute to the development of new Training Directives for 2027–2029.

The assessment mission will review progress made, identify challenges and lessons learned, and explore future priorities to strengthen regional peace support operations and training coordination.

The AU team will engage EASF Planning Element officers through presentations, discussions, and consultations before consolidating its final assessment report and recommendations.

EASF Bids Farewell to Outgoing Director and Welcomes New Director

EASF officially welcomed Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga as the new Director during a handover ceremony held at the EASF Secretariat in Karen, Nairobi on 22 May 2026.

Brigadier General Rwivanga takes over from Brigadier (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, who has served as Director since May 2023.

During the ceremony, the outgoing Director thanked EASF staff, partners, and friends for their unwavering support and dedication throughout his tenure.

In his remarks, Brigadier General Rwivanga expressed his honour and commitment to serving the EASF family, emphasizing teamwork, professionalism, collaboration, and innovation as key pillars for the organization’s continued growth and success.

The event also recognized outgoing staff members Col. Jemal Ali Umer and SSGT John Jilani, while welcoming incoming staff, including Dahir Meraneh, the new Head of Peace Operations Department, and Catherine Natukunda, the Director’s Executive Assistant.

Chair of the EASF Council of Ministers Officiates Handover Ceremony of EASF Director in Kampala

20 May 2026 - Kampala- The Chair of the EASF Council of Ministers and Uganda’s Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, on 20 May 2026 officiated the handover ceremony of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Director in Kampala, Uganda.

During the ceremony, the outgoing EASF Director, Brigadier (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, officially handed over leadership to the incoming Director, Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga.

The event was attended by senior military and government officials, including the Deputy Chief of Defense Forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, Undersecretary Mr. James Mutabazi, Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso, Chief of Staff URDC, and Col Chris Magezi, Acting Defence and Public Information Officer, among others.

The ceremony reflected the spirit of regional cooperation, institutional continuity, and shared leadership among EASF Member States. It also reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening peace, security, and regional collaboration across Eastern Africa.

EASF expressed appreciation for the leadership and service of Brigadier (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema and welcomed Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga as he assumes his new role.

Ethiopian Defense Leadership Receives Incoming and Outgoing EASF Directors in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 19 May 2026 – The Minister of Defense of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Hon. Eng. Aisha Mohammed M***a, and the Chief of General Staff, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula Galalcha, today received the Outgoing EASF Director, Brigadier (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema, together with the Incoming Director, Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, at the Federal Defence Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

The meeting discussed the regional security outlook, including the situations in Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and the spillover effects of the conflict in the DRC on EASF Member States. Discussions also focused on climate-induced security challenges, the future outlook of EASF, and the importance of Member States meeting their Assessed Annual Contributions for the sustainability of the organization.