Rwanda has reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and security after participating in the 36th ordinary Policy Organs Meeting of the East African Standby Force (EASF), held in Kampala, Uganda, on August 14, 2026. The Rwandan delegation was led by Defence Minister Juvenal Marizamunda and included Maj. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi, representing the Chief of Defence Staff, and former Prime Minister Bernard Makuza, who chairs the EASF Panel of Eminent Persons. The meeting, which began on August 10 with a session of experts before the Chiefs of Defence Staff and Defence Forces met on August 13, f

Rwanda has reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and security after participating in the 36th ordinary Policy Organs Meeting of the East African Standby Force (EASF), held in Kampala, Uganda, on August 14, 2026. The Rwandan delegation was led by Defence Minister Juvenal Marizamunda and included Maj. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi, representing the Chief of Defence Staff, and former Prime Minister Bernard Makuza, who chairs the EASF Panel of Eminent Persons. The meeting, which began on August 10 with a session of experts before the Chiefs of Defence Staff and Defence Forces met on August 13, focused on strengthening regional cooperation in defence and security. Key discussions included military preparedness and operational capabilities, the use of technology in security operations, resource mobilization and strengthening the financial sustainability of EASF. The meeting brought together representatives from nine EASF member states: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda. Established in 2004, EASF is designed to prepare, coordinate and conduct peace-support operations in Eastern Africa. Its structure includes military, police and civilian components, with personnel trained according to their respective roles in peace and security operations. EASF is one of the five regional standby forces that make up the African Standby Force under the African Union framework. Its highest political authority is the Assembly of Heads of State and Government. Rwanda currently holds an important leadership position within the force, with Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga serving as EASF Director General since May 2026. The force's headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya. For Rwanda, participation in the Kampala meeting comes as part of its broader engagement in regional security mechanisms, with a focus on strengthening collective preparedness and the capacity of East African countries to respond to emerging security challenges.

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