EASF Bids Head of Civilian Component Goodbye

The Eastern Africa Standby Force bid farewell to the outgoing Head of Civilian Component Mr Steve Lalande from the Republic of Seychelles on 20th September 2019. Mr. Lalande successfully headed the Civilian Component during the last three years.

In his speech during the ceremony, the EASF Director Dr. Abdillahi Omar Bouh reflected on the importance of the Civilian Component in the multinational and multidimensional environment under which EASF operates. He applauded the outgoing Head of Civilian Component for his outstanding contributions in elevating the component to where it is today. The Director also thanked the EASF Technical Advisors for supporting the Standby Force in its capacity building initiatives.

The second speaker of the day was the Joint Chief of Staff, Major General (Dr) Charles Rudakabana who is the overall in-charge of the Planing Element (Planelm) comprising the Civilian, Police and Military components. He commended Mr. Lalande for his focus on advancing the Civilian Component ever since he set foot on EASF soil in September 2016.

In his final address as the Head of Civilian Component, Mr. Lalande thanked the entire EASF fraternity for the team spirit which thrives in the multinational and multidimensional environment. He summarized his journey inside EASF and expressed his optimism that the component will remain ready to take part in various missions in the region as well as on the continent when required.

Mr. Lalande made a number of remarkable contributions during his tenure which have left a deep footprint on EASF's capacity building path. He brought on board "Save the Children" as EASF's strategic partner in addressing issues related to children in conflict situations. He created an on-line resource center for academicians and research personnel who deal with matters of peace and security in the region and beyond. Owing to his exemplary leadership traits, EASF's Civilian Component is now leading all five regions on the African Continent in contributing civilian personnel to African Union's civilian standby roster. He was also the Deputy Head of Mission during EASF's Elections Observations' Mission to the Union of Comoros in March 2019.

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