AU Special Envoy Pays Courtesy Visit to EASF to Strengthen Cooperation on Women, Peace and Security

Wednesday, 3 September 2025 - Nairobi - H.E. Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, the African Union Commission (AUC) Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security (OSE-WPS), paid a courtesy visit to Brig. Gen. (Rtd.) Paul Kahuria Njema, Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), at the EASF Secretariat on Wednesday, 3 September 2025. The visit aimed to deepen collaboration on implementing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda in the Eastern Africa region, particularly in advancing the goals of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and related AU commitments.

 

Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between the AUC and EASF in policy alignment, capacity building, and integrating gender perspectives across peace and security operations. Brig. Gen. Njema emphasized EASF’s continued efforts to mainstream gender in training, planning, and operations, particularly in protecting civilians from gender-based and conflict-related sexual violence.

“We recognize the critical role women play in peacebuilding and security processes. EASF is committed to promoting women’s participation and leadership, both in policy development and on the ground,” said Brig. Gen. Njema.

Amb. Mulamula highlighted the importance of building institutional capacity for gender-sensitive early warning systems, post-conflict recovery, and leadership development. She noted the potential for greater policy harmonization between EASF and the AU, and proposed joint training, mentorship, and scenario-based workshops to prepare gender-responsive peacekeepers.

“We see strong complementarities in our mandates. Together, we can accelerate efforts to empower women and ensure their meaningful involvement in peace and security processes,” said Amb. Mulamula.

The Special Envoy also underscored the need to bring more senior women leaders to the forefront as champions of change across security institutions in Africa.