MOGADISHU, (SONNA) – The Federal Minister of Defence of Somalia, H.E. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, who currently chairs the annual Council of Defence Ministers of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), today officially opened the fifth day of the 34th EASF Policy Organs Meeting, taking place in Mogadishu.
In his keynote address at the opening ceremony, Minister Fiqi warmly welcomed the delegations from EASF member states, commending their active engagement and steadfast commitment to peace, stability, and regional defence cooperation.
“It is a great honour for Somalia to host this year’s EASF annual meeting while also holding the rotating chairmanship,” he stated. “This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to advancing peace, stability, and development in the Eastern Africa region.”
The Minister also addressed the complex security challenges facing the region, including terrorism, violent extremism, climate change, and political instability. He called on member states to present a unified response to these shared threats through collective action and strengthened collaboration.
Minister Fiqi expressed confidence in the recommendations put forward by earlier sessions involving technical experts and military chiefs, noting that the ongoing meetings offer a timely opportunity to adopt key strategic plans that will shape the future of EASF.
He extended his appreciation to the EASF Secretariat and member states for their continued dedication and support, expressing optimism that the Mogadishu gathering would reinforce the region’s security and cooperation efforts.
Furthermore, Minister Fiqi acknowledged the steadfast support provided by the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) member states, particularly during Somalia’s most challenging times. He emphasized that this solidarity has yielded visible progress in peacebuilding, serving as a clear testament to the impact of genuine partnership.
The high-level EASF meeting continues in Mogadishu with a focus on strengthening regional readiness and defence integration across Eastern Africa.
