EASF Council of Ministers of Defense and Security Opens 35th Ordinary Session in Mogadishu

Mogadishu, Somalia - 18 December 2025 - The 35th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of Defense and Security of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) officially opened today in Mogadishu, hosted by the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The session marks the culmination of a week-long series of EASF Policy Organs Meetings that began on 13 December with the Experts Working Group, followed by deliberations of the Committee of Chiefs of Defense and Security Staff.

The meeting was chaired by Somalia’s Minister of Defense, H.E. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, and brought together Ministers responsible for defense and security from EASF Member States, senior officials, and representatives of international partners. 

In his opening remarks, Minister Fiqi reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to regional peace and security, underscoring the importance of collective action in addressing shared challenges.

“On behalf of the Council, it is an honor to open this 35th Ordinary Session in Mogadishu, the capital of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” he said. “Meeting here reflects our solidarity with Somalia and recognition of the progress being made toward peace, stronger institutions, and community recovery. It also reminds us that our regional security discussions have real consequences for states working under difficult conditions to protect their people”. 

Minister Fiqi further highlighted Somalia’s growing role within the EASF framework, noting that the Somali Parliament approved the EASF Establishment Act on 3 December, a move he described as a clear demonstration of the country’s determination to contribute meaningfully to the Force. 

He also acknowledged the technical groundwork laid by preceding meetings. “Over the past week, the Experts Working Group and the Committee of Chiefs of Defense and Security have thoroughly reviewed the regional security situation, the implementation of past decisions, lessons from recent exercises, audit findings, as well as the proposed EASF Activity Plan for 2025 and the Budget and Activity Plan for 2026,” he said. “Their work provides a clear assessment of our progress, gaps, and priorities for strengthening the Eastern Africa Standby Force.” 

The Chair of the EASF Panel of Elders, Hon. Bernard Makuza, paid tribute to the outgoing members of the Panel while reaffirming the commitment of the newly appointed cohort. He thanked Member States for their continued trust and pledged that the Panel would uphold integrity, impartiality, and discretion in support of preventive diplomacy, quiet mediation, and constructive engagement across the region. 

EASF Director, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Paul Kahuria Njema, commended Somalia for hosting the meeting and praised its resilience, emphasizing the strategic importance of the EASF Policy Organs as a platform for coordination and decision-making on regional peace and security. 

Addressing the session, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and Head of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, outlined the African Union’s mandate in Somalia. He noted that AUSSOM is tasked with supporting Somali Security Forces to assume full responsibility for security, degrade Al-Shabaab, protect civilians, and provide security for political processes as part of the broader transition. 

The Chair of the Friends of EASF, Col. Lasse Sand, expressed appreciation for the leadership of the EASF Director and emphasized the need for sustained support from Member States and partners to ensure the Force’s long-term sustainability and operational readiness. He announced that Denmark will, in 2026, support the HANDS project through funding to develop an air operations manual for the humanitarian use of military air assets. He also noted that existing Danish funding would be used to review the Integrated Mission Planning concept with a view to expanding its application across the African Union. 

The Council is expected to conclude its deliberations later today, focusing on key agenda items including resource mobilization and preparations for upcoming exercises. The outcomes of the session are expected to shape EASF’s strategic direction as it continues to promote peace, security, and regional integration in Eastern Africa.