EASF Launches the Final Planning Conference for CPX MASHARIKI SALAAM 2022

The Eastern Africa Standby Force launches a four-day Final Planning Conference (FPC) for the EASF Command Post Exercise (CPX) 2022, codenamed "MASHARIKI SALAAM 2022" at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Hurlingham, Nairobi, Kenya. 

 The participants were drawn from EASF Structures including facilitators, experts and representatives from the EASF Member States.The Conference is aimed at finalizing the plan for the upcoming CPX to be conducted in March 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya whose key objectives include refining and confirming the following key areas:

• The Exercise Planning Instructions (EXPI) that will include the exercise scenario, training package, manning list, Real Life Support (RLS) plan, press/media plan, evaluation plan including the opening/closing/Distinguished Visitors Day (DVD) arrangements among others.
• Setup of the Exercise location
• The Exercise Budget and Host Nation support requirements.
• The MP&MS draft Integrated Mission Plan (IMP) that will be handed over to the Exercise Head of Mission before the conduct of the exercise.

The conference was officially opened by the Guest of Honour, Maj Gen. Alphaxard Kiugu, the Assistant Chief of Kenya Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics who underscored the role of EASF in bringing together ten member states working for peace and security in the Region.

The EASF Planning Element (PLANELM) Joint Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. PSC Dr Osman Mohammed Abbas on behalf of the EASF Director, Brig Gen Getachew Shiferaw Fayisa, thanked the People and Government of Kenya for hosting the Conference and for the hospitality accorded to the participants. He expressed appreciation to the EASF Member States for their commitment in availing participants to the Conference which is crucial towards successful planning and conduct of the exercise that will further enhance the readiness of EASF in addressing threats to peace and security.

On behalf of the EASF International Advisory Committee Staff (IACS) Coordinator Mr. Peter Zartsdahl, the Technical Advisor (TA) to the EASF Police Component, Deputy Chief Superintendent Bjarne Askholm, noted that conduct of the upcoming exercise has been postponed severally from the year 2020 and 2021 due to challenges arising from the effects of the COVID 19 pandemic. He commended the tireless efforts by EASF and other stakeholders for the preparatory work that has been done to ensure the exercise becomes a success through conducting a series of meetings and training activities.

The Conference which commenced on 14^th February 2022 will end on the 17^th February 2022