Eastern Africa Standby Force - EASF

Eastern Africa Standby Force - EASF The Eastern Africa Standby Force is a regional organization whose mandate is to enhance peace and security in the Eastern Africa region.

It is one of the five regional multidimensional Forces of the African Standby Force (ASF) consisting of Military, Police and Civilian components. EASF was established as a regional mechanism to provide capability for rapid deployment of forces to carry out preventive deployment, rapid intervention, peace support/stability operations and peace enforcement. Vision
To contribute to regional and conti

nental peace, security, stability and enhance regional integration. Mission
To maintain and sustain a fully operational and multidimensional integrated standby force ready to respond to emerging crises. The need for a common African Defence and Security mechanism was a key feature of the Inaugural Summit of the African Union (AU), held in Durban, South Africa, in July 2002. The African leaders felt compelled to develop African solutions that would respond to the multifaceted challenges threatening stability, security and cooperation on the continent. Consequently, through the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (PSC), the African Standby Force (ASF) was established as part of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA). The Peace and Security Council Protocol (PSCP) covers a comprehensive agenda for peace and security. This includes conflict prevention, early warning and preventive diplomacy, peace-building, intervention and humanitarian action, and disaster management. The other components of APSA set up by the PSC Protocol include the Continental Early Warning System; the Panel of the Wise; and the Peace Fund. The ASF comprises multi-national and multi-disciplinary Civilian, Police and Military components held on standby in their countries of origin in the five regions of the African Union. These regions are:

Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF)
Northern Standby Brigade (NARC)
Western Africa Standby Brigade (ECOWAS)
Central African Standby Brigade (ECCAS)
Southern Africa Standby Brigade (SADC)

These components stay on standby for rapid deployment at appropriate notice as provided for in the six peace support operations scenarios of the ASF. The establishment of EASF follows the decision of the Summit of the African Union held in July 2004 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to create the Eastern Africa Standby Brigade (EASBRIG). The MOU, signed in April 2005 (and as amended in January 2011) expressly establishes the EASF as a constituent organization of the African Standby Force (ASF). In March 2007, the Council of Ministers of Defence and Security established a Coordination Mechanism called EASFCOM (formerly EASBRICOM). The establishment is based on past experiences of conflicts in Africa, such as the Rwanda Genocide, war in Sudan, war in Somalia among others. The Eastern Africa region continues to be faced with challenges of conflict and internal problems impacting on peace and security. Membership
The Eastern Africa Region, represented by the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) , is one of five regions of the African Peace and Security Architecture and is, as such, developing the standby force, as a component of the ASF. Currently, the EASF draws its membership from 10 active Member States including Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda, which are signatories to the Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (MOU). The Republic of South Sudan enjoys the status of observer in EASF since April 2013 and is expected to become a full member any time soon.

EASF Council of Ministers of Defense and Security Concludes 36th Ordinary Session in KampalaKampala, Uganda – 14 August ...
14/08/2026

EASF Council of Ministers of Defense and Security Concludes 36th Ordinary Session in Kampala

Kampala, Uganda – 14 August 2026 – The 36th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of Defense and Security of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) concluded today in Kampala, Uganda, with Member States reaffirming their commitment to strengthening regional peace, security and stability and signing the final report of the session.

Hosted by the Republic of Uganda, the meeting brought together Defense and Security Ministers and senior representatives from EASF Member States, as well as international partners. It marked the culmination of the 36th EASF Policy Organs Meetings, which began on 10 August with the Experts Working Group, followed by the Committee of Chiefs of Defense and Security.

The Guest of Honor, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and Minister for East African Community Affairs, welcomed the delegations and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to regional peace and security. She highlighted the need for stronger cooperation in addressing evolving threats, including violent extremism, maritime insecurity, organized crime and climate-related risks, stressing the importance of coordinated regional responses.

Chairing the session, Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to collective regional action and emphasized the importance of Member States working together to address shared security challenges and strengthen the region’s capacity to respond to emerging threats.

EASF Director, Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, commended Uganda for hosting the Policy Organs Meetings and urged Member States to translate the Council’s decisions into concrete action. “The success of this meeting will ultimately be measured by the action we take after leaving this room,” he said. “Let us therefore remain committed to translating today’s decisions into tangible results for EASF and for the people of Eastern Africa.”

Chairperson of the EASF Panel of Elders, Rt. Hon. Bernard Makuza, called for greater investment in preventive diplomacy and mediation, noting that peace cannot be sustained through response alone. “The value of the Panel of Elders lies in its ability to engage before violence becomes inevitable,” he said, emphasizing early dialogue, quiet diplomacy and confidence-building.

Speaking on behalf of the Friends of EASF, Denmark’s Senior Adviser and IACS Coordinator, Mr. Kenneth Goren Albert, reaffirmed the importance of sustained support to EASF. Reflecting on the partnership, he highlighted the organization's efforts to adapt to changing regional realities, including climate insecurity, pandemics and unconstitutional changes of government.

At the conclusion of the deliberations, the Council adopted and signed the final report, capturing the key decisions, recommendations and commitments of the session.

The outcomes will guide EASF’s continued efforts to strengthen operational readiness, institutional resilience and regional cooperation in promoting peace and security across Eastern Africa.

14/08/2026

36th EASF Policy Organs Meeting

Chiefs of defense and security from across Eastern Africa gathered in Kampala to advance regional cooperation, strengthen operational readiness and reinforce collective efforts towards a peaceful, secure and stable region.

Watch ECADS closing ceremony highlights.

14/08/2026

36th EASF Policy Organs Meeting

Chiefs of defense and security from across Eastern Africa gathered in Kampala to advance regional cooperation, strengthen operational readiness and reinforce collective efforts towards a peaceful, secure and stable region.

Watch ECADS opening ceremony highlights.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni received EASF Director Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga at State House, Entebbe, on 13 August...
14/08/2026

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni received EASF Director Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga at State House, Entebbe, on 13 August 2026, on the margins of the 36th EASF Ordinary Policy Organs Meetings in Kampala.

The Director briefed the President on EASF activities and ongoing efforts to strengthen the region’s peace and security architecture.

EACDS Concludes Deliberations at 36th EASF Policy Organs Meetings in KampalaKampala, Uganda – 13 August 2026 – The Easte...
14/08/2026

EACDS Concludes Deliberations at 36th EASF Policy Organs Meetings in Kampala

Kampala, Uganda – 13 August 2026 – The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Committee of Chiefs of Defence and Security (EACDS) has concluded its deliberations in Kampala, Uganda, as part of the 36th EASF Policy Organs Meetings, with Member States reaffirming their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and advancing peace and security in Eastern Africa.

The meeting was chaired by Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chairperson of the EACDS, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who commended the Chiefs of Defence and Security for their steadfast support, constructive engagement and valuable contributions throughout the deliberations.

General Kainerugaba said the meeting had provided an important platform to discuss policy and security matters affecting the region and to receive updates on the status of EASF. He noted that the Committee has a key responsibility to advise the Council of Ministers and the Assembly on regional security matters, as well as to provide strategic oversight and direction to EASF structures.

He further commended the Experts Working Group for its work and well-considered recommendations, which will provide a foundation for decisions to be considered by the EASF Council of Ministers of Defence on 14 August 2026.

Speaking on behalf of the Director of EASF, Brigadier General Stephen Kashure, the EASF Joint Chief of Staff, expressed appreciation to the Chiefs of Defence and Security for their participation, strategic guidance and commitment throughout the meeting.

Brigadier General Kashure said the deliberations had provided an important opportunity to assess the regional security environment and identify practical measures to strengthen EASF and enhance its contribution to peace and security. He reaffirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to working closely with Member States and strategic partners in advancing the Force’s mandate.

He also expressed appreciation to Uganda for hosting the meeting and to partners for their continued support to EASF.

The closing ceremony concluded with the presentation of gifts to distinguished Chiefs of Defense and Security.

General Kainerugaba officially declared the meeting closed, urging Member States to sustain the spirit of unity, cooperation and shared responsibility in addressing common regional security challenges.

Chiefs of Defense and Security Meet in Kampala for 36th EASF Policy Organs SessionKampala, Uganda – 13 August 2026 – Th...
13/08/2026

Chiefs of Defense and Security Meet in Kampala for 36th EASF Policy Organs Session

Kampala, Uganda – 13 August 2026 – The 36th Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Policy Organs Meetings continued in Kampala on Thursday with the opening of the Committee of Chiefs of Defense and Security (EACDS), bringing together senior military leaders from across Eastern Africa to deliberate on regional security priorities and the future readiness of the Force.

The one-day meeting is considering key strategic and operational matters, including recommendations from the Experts Working Group and strategic planning documents. Its recommendations will be submitted to the EASF Council of Ministers of Defense for consideration on 14 August 2026.

Opening the session, Uganda’s State Minister for Defense, H.E. Hon. Akifeza Grace, welcomed the delegations and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to regional peace, security and stability. She noted that evolving threats, including violent extremism, maritime insecurity, organized crime and climate-related risks, require stronger cooperation, strategic foresight and coordinated regional responses.

She also paid tribute to the late Djibouti Minister of Defense, H.E. Hassan Omar Mohamed Bourhan, who passed away on 16 July 2026, conveying condolences to the Government and people of Djibouti and his family.

The meeting is chaired by Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who emphasized the importance of maintaining credible, interoperable and deployable regional capabilities. He highlighted the successful completion of the EASF Force Verification Exercise in Uganda, which assessed pledged military, police and civilian capabilities and readiness.

General Kainerugaba stressed that preparedness must be sustained through continuous planning, multinational exercises, common standards and interoperability, particularly as the regional and continental peace and security environment continues to evolve.

EASF Director Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, said the meeting would consider governance, resource mobilization, service regulations, operational preparedness and the regional security situation. He highlighted progress under the EASF Strategic Plan 2026–2030, including capability verification, development of the Humanitarian Assistance and Natural Disaster Support framework, enhanced partnerships and expanded training programmes.

He further called for renewed political commitment to EASF, including support for convening the Summit of Heads of State and Government, which has not met since 2016.

Delegates reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening EASF cooperation and advancing peace, security and stability across Eastern Africa.

12/08/2026

The EASF Experts Working Group has concluded its meeting in Kampala, paving the way for the next level of deliberations by the Chiefs of Staff on regional peace and security.

EASF Experts Working Group Concludes Kampala Meeting, Prepares Report for Chiefs of StaffKAMPALA, Uganda, 12 August 2026...
12/08/2026

EASF Experts Working Group Concludes Kampala Meeting, Prepares Report for Chiefs of Staff

KAMPALA, Uganda, 12 August 2026- The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Experts Working Group (EWG) has concluded a three-day meeting in Kampala, paving the way for the presentation of its key findings and recommendations to the EASF Chiefs of Staff.

Held from 10 to 12 August as part of the EASF 36th Policy Organs Meetings, the gathering brought together experts for intensive discussions on regional peace and security. The EWG finalized a comprehensive report for consideration by the Chiefs of Staff.

The report provides an assessment of the current security situation across Eastern Africa and highlights key areas requiring attention, including resource mobilization, donor engagement, audit and administrative affairs, institutional digitization, and other matters addressed during the meeting.

The Chiefs of Staff meeting, which follows the EWG meeting, is expected to review the findings and recommendations and deliberate on pressing security concerns affecting the region. It will also provide an opportunity to consider key issues related to strengthening regional peace and security.

The conclusion of the EWG meeting underscores the continued commitment of EASF member states to coordinated regional efforts to address emerging security challenges and promote long-term stability in Eastern Africa.

EASF remains a key regional mechanism for coordinating collective responses to security challenges and supporting efforts to maintain peace and stability among its member states.

11/08/2026

EASF Director Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga meets Uganda’s Defence Minister Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka in Kampala as regional leaders discuss peace, security and operational readiness.

Watch the highlights.

Uganda Defense Minister Receives EASF Director on Sidelines of Policy Organs MeetingsKAMPALA, August 11, 2026 - Uganda’s...
11/08/2026

Uganda Defense Minister Receives EASF Director on Sidelines of Policy Organs Meetings

KAMPALA, August 11, 2026 - Uganda’s Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has received the Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, on the sidelines of the EASF 36th Policy Organs Meetings taking place in Kampala.

Minister Kiryowa reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to the EASF and regional peace and security, saying the country was prepared to make its available capabilities accessible to the regional standby force.

He specifically highlighted Uganda’s readiness to provide search-and-rescue and air capabilities, while stressing that the country’s commitment extended beyond the assets formally listed on paper.

“Everything that is available to the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces is available to the people of Eastern Africa in as far as it has anything to do with maintaining peace and security in our region,” the Minister said.

He emphasized the importance of regional solidarity, noting that Uganda’s security was closely linked to the safety and security of its neighbours.

The meeting brought together senior Ugandan defense officials and the EASF delegation for discussions on Uganda’s contribution to the regional standby force, operational readiness and efforts to strengthen regional cooperation in peace and security.

Brig. Gen. Rwivanga briefed the Ugandan side on the force verification exercise conducted in Uganda from August 5 to 9. The exercise assessed personnel and capabilities from the military, police and civilian components committed to the EASF.

He commended Uganda for the level of training, professionalism and morale demonstrated during the exercise, saying the forces were ready to deploy when required.

“I can confirm to you, sir, from what I saw in terms of training and professionalism, our soldiers are ready,” Rwivanga said.

The EASF Director further welcomed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening the force’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities, including search-and-rescue assets.

EASF force commander, Brigadier General Stephen Huria, praised Uganda’s training facilities and proposed that the country host future EASF command post and field training exercises, including integrated, multidimensional and multinational exercises involving the different components of the regional force.

The two sides also underscored the importance of more frequent interaction and joint exercises among military, police and civilian components to strengthen coordination, understanding and trust.

The EASF 36th Policy Organs Meetings in Kampala include expert working group discussions, a Chiefs of Defence Forces meeting and a Council of Ministers meeting to consider strategic issues concerning the regional standby force.

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