Somalia Hands Over EASF Chairmanship to Uganda

Mogadishu, Somalia – December –18, 2025 The Federal Republic of Somalia on Thursday officially handed over the chairmanship of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) to Uganda during the 35th Ordinary Policy Organs Meeting held in Mogadishu. The handover ceremony was attended by Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. 

The event coincided with a meeting of the EASF Council of Ministers of Defense and Security, which reviewed key peace and security issues affecting the Eastern African region. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Hamza reaffirmed the strategic role of the EASF within the regional and continental security architecture. He emphasized the need for the force to remain prepared to support member states, upon request, in areas ranging from preventive diplomacy and peace support operations to stabilization and post-conflict recovery, in coordination with partners such as the African Union and the United Nations. 

Somalia’s Minister of Defense, H.E. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, who served as Chair of the Council of Ministers of Defense and Security over the past year, highlighted the importance of collective responsibility and sustained cooperation in addressing shared security challenges. He wished Uganda success as it assumes the chairmanship. 

Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, received the EASF flag on behalf of the Ugandan Minister of Defense and underscored the importance of joint regional action to promote peace and stability. 

EASF Director Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Paul Kahuria Njema thanked the Somali government and people for their hospitality and support, noting Somalia’s continued commitment to regional peace and security. 

The handover marks a significant milestone in strengthening regional cooperation under the EASF framework.