Chiefs of Defense Forces Meet in Mogadishu for 35th EASF Policy Organs Session

Mogadishu, Somalia - 16 December 2025- The 35^th  Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Policy Organs Meetings continued in Mogadishu on Tuesday with the opening of the high-level Chiefs of Defense Forces (CDF) session, bringing together senior military leaders from across the Eastern Africa region.

The two-day CDF meeting, which runs until 17 December, will deliberate on regional security priorities and strategic planning documents. Its outcomes will be submitted to the EASF Council of Ministers’ session scheduled for 18 December.

The meeting was officially opened by Somalia’s State Minister for Defense, H.E. Omar Ali Abdi, who welcomed the delegates and underscored the significance of convening in Mogadishu.

“Meeting here in Mogadishu is especially meaningful,” he said. “This city shown remarkable resilience and determination to rebuild institutions, reclaim public spaces, and restore confidence in the future”.

He noted that Eastern Africa continues to face complex and evolving security threats, including violent extremism, maritime insecurity, organized crime, and the growing impacts of climate change. “In this environment, our citizens look to you not only for protection, but also for calm, strategic leadership” he added.

The session is chaired by Maj. Gen. Odowaa Yusuf, Chief of Defense Forces of Somalia, who described the meeting as a strong demonstration of regional solidarity.

“Our presence in Mogadishu is a powerful affirmation of support for the people and Government of Somalia” he said. “It acknowledges the difficult road they have travelled and the progress they continue to make in stabilizing their country, building resilient institutions, and contributing to broader regional security”.

Over the course of the meeting, defense chiefs are reviewing key security developments, assessing the Experts Working Group’s report, and examining EASF’s evolving role in peace support operations and regional stability.

In his opening remarks, EASF Director Brigadier (Rtd) Paul Kahuria Njema commended Somalia for hosting the session and praised the city’s resilience.

“Mogadishu stands today as a powerful testament to the collective spirit and determination of the Somali people” he said. “Your presence demonstrates an unwavering commitment to strengthening our regional peace and security architecture”.

Brig. (Rtd) Njema emphasized that the deliberations of the Chiefs of Defense Forces form a critical part of EASF’s governance cycle and will inform decisions at the ministerial level later this week.

“As you embark on today’s deliberations, I encourage open dialogue, strategic reflection, and decisive leadership,” he said. “The decisions you make here will shape the future direction of EASF and reinforce our collective commitment to safeguarding peace and stability in Eastern Africa”. 

Delegates expressed appreciation to the Government of Somalia for hosting the meeting and reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing regional peace and security through EASF’s multidimensional capabilities.