What are the opening hours?

Monday 08:30 - 17:00 Tuesday 08:30 - 17:00 Wednesday 08:30 - 17:00 Thursday 08:30 - 17:00 Friday 08:30 - 17:00

Eastern Africa Standby Force - EASF

Home
Kenya
Nairobi
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 continental 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.

19/09/2026

EASF CONDUCTS POLICE FORCE GENERATION AND CAPACITY BUILDING WORKSHOP IN KENYA.
Kajiado County, Kenya – 19 September 2026: The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has concluded a three-day Police Force Generation and Capacity Building Workshop in Kenya, aimed at strengthening the preparation, management and operational readiness of pledged police capabilities for deployment under the EASF framework.
The workshop, which ran from 17 to 19 September 2026 at the National Police Leadership Academy in Kajiado County, brought together representatives from the Kenya National Police Service, EASF Police Delegation and the African Union Police Strategic Support Group.
The Guest of Honour, Dr. Mwangi Wanderi, the Director of personnel at the National Police Service who was present during the launch of the workshop welcomed all the participants to the republic of Kenya and assured EASF of the national police commitment and support to its Mandate.
Representing the Director of EASF, Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, the EASF Joint Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Stephen Kashure, conveyed the Director’s greetings and commitment to the success of the workshop.
Brig. Gen. Kashure expressed appreciation to the Government of Kenya and the National Police Service for their hospitality and support in hosting the engagement, he further noted that the discussions at the workshop would focus on strengthening Member States’ responsibilities in the identification, nomination, preparation, pledging, training, rostering and verification of Police Professional Staff, Individual Police Officers and Formed Police Unit candidates.
The three-day engagement underscores the shared commitment to developing professionally competent, well-prepared and operationally ready police capabilities for Peace Support Operations.

17/09/2026

The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) invites interested bidders to participate in the sale of vehicles through a competitive bidding process, the advertisement is published on 17th September 2026 Daily Nation Newspaper, Page 2. Interested bidders are encouraged to review the advertisement for details on the bidding process, requirements and submission deadlines.

16/09/2026

EASF at the 18th STCDSS Experts’ Meeting in Bujumbura

The EASF Head of Peace Operations Department is participating in the 18th Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Defence, Safety and Security (STCDSS) Experts’ Meeting in Bujumbura, Burundi.

The meeting provides an important platform for African peace and security stakeholders to deliberate on key priorities, including strengthening Peace Support Operations, operationalising the African Standby Force, sustainable and predictable financing, regional readiness and interoperability, strategic lift and logistics, counter-terrorism and violent extremism, and the protection of civilians.

For EASF, the discussions are particularly important in advancing stronger regional preparedness and enhancing cooperation between Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms and the African Union.

EASF remains committed to contributing to a stronger, more responsive and effective African peace and security architecture.

14/09/2026

EASF COMMENCES SECOND PHASE OF POLICE FORCE GENERATION AND CAPACITY BULDING OF PLEDGED POLICE CAPABILITIES.
Kigali, Rwanda –14 September 2026: The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has commenced the second phase of its Police Force Generation and Capacity Building of pledged police capabilities Exercise, with a three-day visit to the Republic of Rwanda.
The exercise, which runs from 14 to 16 September 2026, will see EASF provide strategic and technical guidance to the Rwanda National Police in preparing and pledging police capabilities to EASF in accordance with its the minimum standards and the African Union Police Roster
Speaking during the opening of the ceremony of the exercise the Deputy Inspector General of Rwanda police who was the Guest of honor, Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza welcomed the initiative from EASF stating that the outcomes of the exercise will guide in future nomination, preparation, pledging, capacity building, training, rostering and verification of Police Professional Staff, Individual Police Officers and Formed Police Unit candidates.
On his part, the Head of the EASF delegation and Head of the Police Component, Col. Mellance Ntakiyiruta, who represented the EASF Director, Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, conveyed the Director's appreciation to the Government of Rwanda and the Rwanda National Police for hosting the delegation and for their continued commitment to regional peace and security.
Colonel Ntakiyiruta, further commended the strong collaboration between the EASF, the African Union Police Strategic Support Group and the Rwanda National Police, noting that such partnerships are critical in building a credible, effective and operationally ready African Standby Force Police capability.
The EASF Police Generation and Capacity Building Exercise is part of the EASF`s continued efforts to support Member States in strengthening their readiness to contribute qualified and capable personnel to regional and continental Peace Support Operations.

11/09/2026

EASF strengthens Uganda Police Force capabilities for future Peace Support Operations

Kampala, Uganda,10 September 2026: The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has commenced a three-day activity with the Uganda Police Force aimed at strengthening the generation, preparation and capacity building of pledged police capabilities for deployment under the EASF framework.

The activity, which runs from 10 to 12 September 2026, will review Member States' responsibilities in the identification, nomination, preparation, pledging, capacity building, training, rostering and verification of Police Professional Staff, Individual Police Officers and Formed Police Unit candidates.

Participants will also examine the EASF Police Roster workflows and review the roadmap emanating from the 2023 Kigali Workshop on Capacity Building, Assessment and Operational Capability of Pledged Police Capabilities.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Uganda Police Deputy Commissioner for Operations, Mr. Simon Okoshi, commended the EASF delegation for the initiative, noting that the engagement would provide strategic and technical guidance to the Uganda Police Force as it prepares Police Professional Staff, Individual Police Officers and Formed Police Units within its pledged capabilities for future deployment.

On his part, the Head of the EASF delegation and Head of the Police Component, Col. Mellance Ntakiyiruta, who represented the EASF Director, Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, underscored the importance of the engagement in strengthening police capabilities for Peace Support Operations.

He noted that the activity reflects the shared responsibility of ensuring that officers ultimately rostered and deployed are well prepared, professionally competent and ready to serve with distinction while upholding the values and standards of the African Union and the United Nations.

Col. Ntakiyiruta further commended the collaborative partnership between the Uganda Police Force, the African Union Police Strategic Support Group and EASF, noting that such cooperation is essential in building a credible, capable and effective African Standby Force police capability.

The engagement is expected to produce concrete and actionable outcomes, including the establishment of a Joint EASF–Uganda Police Working Group and the development of a clear roadmap to guide future cooperation.

10/09/2026

Happy new year to the Government and people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

08/09/2026

EASF EXPLORES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Nairobi, Kenya-8 September 2026: The Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga today hosted a delegation from the enterprise for change group(ECG), during a courtesy visit to the EASF Secretariat in Karen Nairobi.
During the meeting the two organizations focused on areas of mutual interest, including operational mental health, psychological readiness, post-deployment reintegration and recovery, leadership excellence and command development, as well as workplace mental health and workforce well-being among others.
The visit also provided an opportunity to exchange ideas on approaches that can strengthen the human dimension for organizational and operational effectiveness.
Brigadier General Rwivanga noted the importance of investing in the psychological readiness and wellbeing of personnel and leaders, particularly those operating in demanding environments. He emphasized that collaboration between EASF and ECG could provide valuable opportunities to strengthen resilience, leadership capacity and the overall wellbeing of personnel.
The discussions also highlighted the need to support personnel before, during and after deployment, in through measures such as effective post-deployment reintegration and recovery.
Through such strategic partnerships, EASF continues to explore innovative approaches to strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring that its personnel and leadership remain prepared to effectively respond to the evolving peace, security and operational challenges within the Eastern Africa region.

03/09/2026

EASF Director Receives Friends of EASF Chairperson in Nairobi

3 September 2026, Nairobi, Kenya - The Chairperson of Friends of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), Colonel Lasse Sand, paid a courtesy call on the EASF Director, Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, at the EASF Secretariat in Nairobi on Thursday.

The meeting provided an opportunity for constructive discussions on EASF’s mandate, ongoing activities and areas of mutual interest in support of peace and security in Eastern Africa.

Brig. Gen. Rwivanga briefed the delegation on the structure and functioning of EASF, highlighting its multidimensional composition of military, police and civilian components drawn from its nine member states. He also underscored the importance of partnerships in strengthening the Force’s institutional capacity and readiness to respond to emerging peace and security challenges in the region.

The Director expressed appreciation for the support provided through Denemark, particularly in areas including institutional assessments, capacity building, training and strengthening EASF’s communication and media capabilities.

Discussions also explored opportunities for continued engagement in areas of shared interest, particularly maritime security. The Director highlighted an upcoming maritime Search and Rescue exercise scheduled to take place in Mombasa in late October, in collaboration with UNITAR, as one of the initiatives supporting regional preparedness and cooperation.

The delegation also discussed recent EASF engagements in Comoros, including participation in a cyclone exercise, as well as forthcoming intelligence training activities in member states.
Both sides welcomed continued dialogue and opportunities to strengthen cooperation in support of peace, security and regional preparedness across Eastern Africa.

31/08/2026

Uganda Special Envoys Hand Official Invitation to EASF Director Ahead of Regional MOOTW Conference

Nairobi, 31 August 2026 - Special Envoys from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) paid a courtesy call on the Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, and formally handed him an official invitation to attend the forthcoming Regional Conference of Chiefs of Defense Forces on Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW).

The delegation comprised Brigadier General Peter Nabasa, Chief Joint Staff Operations of the UPDF, and Brigadier General Mcdans Kamugira, the defense advisor, high commissioner of the republic of Uganda, the Special Envoys of the UPDF Chief of Defense Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

The conference was scheduled to take place from 5 to 8 October 2026 at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, Uganda.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the Special Envoys to brief the EASF leadership on preparations for the conference, its objectives and expected outcomes, while also exchanging views on areas of regional cooperation.

The EASF Director welcomed Uganda’s initiative to convene the conference and expressed his interest in continued cooperation with the UPDF and other regional stakeholders ahead of the Kampala meeting.

28/08/2026

EASF EXPLORES AREAS OF COOPERATION.
The Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga and his delegation, on Thursday visited two key national institutions in the Union of Comoros, The Comoros National Centre for State Action at Sea (CNAEM) and the new Chu El Malouf Hospital, the visit to the institutions played a vital role in identifying key opportunities that could strengthen the cooperation between EASF and the Union of Comoros in disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance and emergency response.
At CNAEM, Brig. Gen. Rwivanga was briefed by the Centre’s Director, Ms. Nabsoiti Soulaimana, on its mandate and role in coordinating State action within the country’s maritime domain.
while Recognizing the strategic importance of the maritime domain to an island nation such as Comoros, the EASF Director commended the efforts of The Comoros National Centre for State Action at Sea (CNAEM) in strengthening maritime coordination and preparedness, he noted that effective maritime domain awareness and coordinated emergency response efforts are essential to protecting lives, national interests and economic activities.
Brig. Gen. Rwivanga later visited the new Chu El Maarouf Hospital, a major modern healthcare facility nearing completion in Moroni. He was received by Presidential Advisor on Civil Engineering and Infrastructure, Mr. Moussa Dada, and the Director General of the hospital, Mr. Assoumany Aboudou.
The EASF Director commended the Government of the Union of Comoros for investing in modern healthcare infrastructure, observing that resilient health facilities are an essential component of effective disaster preparedness and humanitarian response.
He further underscored the relevance of such capabilities to EASF`s Humanitarian Assistance and Natural Disaster Support (HANDS) framework, even as the region faces emergencies requiring coordinated regional responses.
The EASF Director is in the union of Comoros for the CYCLONE NOURA simulation exercise and the two visits provided an opportunity for the Director and his delegation to appreciate the country’s investments in maritime safety, emergency preparedness, healthcare infrastructure and national resilience in readiness for disaster preparedness and humanitarian response.

Address

P. O Box 1444
Nairobi
00502

Opening Hours

Monday	08:30 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:30 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:30 - 17:00
Thursday	08:30 - 17:00
Friday	08:30 - 17:00

Telephone

+254203884720

Website

https://www.easfcom.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Eastern Africa Standby Force - EASF posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your organization to be the top-listed non profit organization in Nairobi?