Meeting of the Friends of EASF

The ordinary meeting of the Friends of EASF took place on Friday 9th November at the Sankara Hotel, in Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya.

The Eastern Africa Standby Force has many strategic partners, one being a pool of many countries regrouped under the name ‘Friends of EASF’. The aim of the meeting was to discuss pertinent issues relating to the organization and how to attract other potentials countries in supporting the work of the EASF.

In his opening remarks, the Chairperson of ‘Friends of EASF’ Col. Joern Rasmussen spoke about the importance of collaborating and networking with the countries represented and also considering other potential countries in coming onboard to support the EASF. ‘’There is a need to further develop the force and strengthen its base so that we can really contribute to peace and stability in the Eastern region of Africa’’ he added.
 
On his side, while addressing the meeting, the Director of the EASF, Dr. Abdillahi Omar Bouh, highlighted the remarkable achievements and also challenges currently facing the organization. He went on to explain that in the coming year 2019, EASF will focus more on developing the Early Warning Capacity and the establishment of the ‘Panel of the Wise’.
 
After the opening ceremony, the meeting proceeded with presentations followed by deliberations. In one of the presentations by the Head of the Peace Operations Department, Brigadier Albert Kendagor, the highlight was on the major decisions taken from the 24th Ordinary Policy Organs meeting as well as an overview of the achievements of EASF.
 
The Friends of EASF meeting was attended by representatives and Defense Attachés from Turkey, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Finland, Australia, Sweden, United Kingdom, Kenya, Sudan and the Czech Republic. Also present were the Technical Advisors and EASF management staff.

Photo Gallery: Meeting of the Friends of EASF