MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Minister of Defense of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, who currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Council of Ministers, presided over the 35th Ordinary Session of the Council today. Hosted by the Federal Government of Somalia, this high-level gathering brought together defense leadership from across the region to deliberate on collective security strategies.
The session marks the culmination of six days of intensive deliberations in Mogadishu. The proceedings followed a structured hierarchical process, beginning with technical meetings by the Committee of Experts, followed by the Committee of Chiefs of Defense Staff. Today’s ministerial segment represents the highest level of the summit, where defense ministers convened to review and ratify the recommendations and resolutions developed during the preliminary sessions.
In his keynote address, Minister Fiqi articulated the strategic imperative of the EASF in the current regional security architecture. He highlighted the organization’s essential function in conflict prevention, peace enforcement, stabilization operations, and post-conflict reconstruction. The Minister further stressed the importance of maintaining robust operational synergy with the African Union, the United Nations, and other international partners to ensure a coordinated approach to regional stability.
Highlighting Somalia’s dedication to regional integration, Minister Fiqi noted a major legislative milestone achieved earlier this month. On December 3, 2025, the Parliament of the Federal Republic of Somalia officially ratified the EASF Establishment Agreement. The Minister stated that this legislative action demonstrates Somalia’s firm resolve to actively participate in the security and stability mechanisms of East Africa.
Throughout the week-long summit, delegates engaged in comprehensive discussions regarding the prevailing security landscape of the region. The agenda included a rigorous review of the implementation of previous decisions, an analysis of lessons learned from recent military exercises, and the presentation of audit results. Key administrative outcomes included the review of the EASF Action Plan for 2025 and the deliberation on the Budget and Action Plan for the fiscal year 2026.
In his closing remarks, the Defense Minister called upon member states to strengthen their unity, enhance cooperation, and uphold principles of accountability. He emphasized that a cohesive approach is vital for transforming the Eastern Africa Standby Force into a responsive and capable institution ready to address emerging security challenges, protect civilians, and guarantee sustainable peace across the region.
