Somalia Hosts 35th EASF Policy Organs Meeting to Strengthen Regional Security. Mogadishu, Somalia — December 13, 2025 Lead Paragraph: The 35th Ordinary Policy Organs Meeting of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) was officially launched by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense, Abdifatah Abdulkadir Farah, in Mogadishu on Saturday. This week-long strategic meeting, which began on December 13 and concludes on December 18, is a crucial gathering of security experts from across the Eastern Africa region.
The meeting aims to enhance the operational capacity of the EASF in addressing emerging crises.
In his opening address, Mr. Farah highlighted the importance of the session, emphasizing the need to boost the regional force’s effectiveness in crisis response.
The technical committee, which is currently in session, is responsible for reviewing and drafting comprehensive work plans for the 2025–2026 period.
The agenda also includes a thorough examination of the EASF budget, financial audit reports, and an assessment of the impact of ongoing conflicts within member states. This initial technical meeting is a precursor to high-level discussions involving the Chiefs of Defense Forces (CDFs) from EASF member states, focusing on military strategy and operational preparedness.
The summit will culminate in a Council of Ministers meeting, where Defense Ministers will ratify key decisions regarding the regional security architecture. Hosting the EASF gathering for the second time this year underscores Somalia’s increasing role as a pivotal player in the Horn of Africa’s security dynamics.
The Federal Government views this continued engagement as a testament to its dedication to fostering peace, stability, and defense cooperation across East Africa.
The EASF is one of the five regional components of the African Standby Force, tasked with enhancing peace and security in the Eastern Africa region. Further details regarding the outcomes of the meeting and subsequent high-level discussions are expected in the coming days.
The initiative is seen as a significant step forward in bolstering the security frameworks of the Eastern Africa region.
Source: sonna.
