Chiefs of Defense Meet in Mogadishu for 34th EASF Policy Organs Session

Mogadishu, Somalia–  17 July 2025 – The 34th Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Policy Organs Meetings continued today in Mogadishu with the commencement of the high-level Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDF) session. The meeting was officially opened by H.E. Omar Ali Abdi, State Minister for Defense of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Chaired by Brigadier General Madey Nurey Sheikh, Deputy Chief of Defense Forces of Somalia, the session brought together senior military leaders from across the Eastern Africa region.

Over the two-day session, defense chiefs are reviewing strategic security issues, strengthening regional military cooperation, and deliberating on key planning documents. Discussions include assessments of the Experts Working Group’s report, operational readiness, and EASF’s evolving role in peace and security across the region.

In his opening address, EASF Director, Brigadier (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema commended Somalia for hosting the meeting for the first time, calling it a “historic symbol of regional solidarity” and a testament to Somalia’s growing stability. He emphasized the importance of collective and sustained regional responses to complex security threats, including terrorism, violent extremism, climate-driven crises, and political instability.

He also highlighted upcoming initiatives, including the first-ever maritime command post exercise, and introduced the draft of EASF’s new strategic plan (2026–2030), which will guide future operations.

The meeting, which forms a critical part of EASF’s governance cycle, will feed into the Council of Ministers' deliberations later this week. Delegates expressed appreciation for Somalia’s leadership and reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing regional peace and security through EASF’s multidimensional capabilities.