EASF Launches Panel of Elders Induction Workshop

The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) started an Induction Workshop for the Panel of Elders (PoE), in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 27 April 2022. The Opening Ceremony was conducted at the EASF Force Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

The aim of the Workshop is to inform members of the PoE on the mandate of EASF in Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution, and to explain EASF’s expectations on the roles played by the appointed members of Panel of Elders in deterring conflicts in the region. It is also aimed to serve as a platform for brainstorming and sharing experience among members of the PoE, the EASF Secretariat and invited experts; and to create a common understanding between EASF Secretariat and members of PoE on Conflict Prevention and Peace Building, through presentations followed by discussion sessions.

The workshop was opened officially by the Guest of Honor, HE Dr. Abraham Belay, the Chairperson of EASF Council of Ministers, who is also the Minister of Defence of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. In his opening remarks, the Guest of Honor congratulated the Members of the Panel of Elders for getting the opportunity to contribute to peace, security and stability of the region and the African continent at large. He highlighted that the EASF Panel of Elders was established based on African values and wisdom of peacemaking, and expressed his high expectation from the Panel. Further, he expressed the determination and commitment of his Government to support EASF and its Panel of Elders in forging a peaceful and stable Eastern Africa region.

Prior to the Guest of Honor, the Chairperson of African Union Panel of the Wise, HE Former President Domitien Ndayizeye of the Republic of Burundi, also delivered his remarks. In his remarks, he encouraged the newly formed EASF Panel of Elders to work with the AU Panel of the Wise in the effort to contribute for peace and security in the region.
In addition, the Director of EASF, Brig Gen Getachew Shiferaw Fayisa delivered remarks on the Opening Ceremony. In his address, the director thanked the People and Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for hosting the event and for the hospitality accorded to the Members of PoE and other guests who came to Ethiopia to participate in the workshop.
The workshop is expected to come to conclusion on 29 April 2022.