Addis Ababa: The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has commended Ethiopia for its significant role in ensuring regional security.
Eastern Africa Standby Force Director Brigadier General Paul Kahuria Njema told ENA that Ethiopia is one of the leading members of the Eastern African Standby Force.
The EASF draws its membership from 10 active member states, including Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda.
The director explained that cross-border crimes extend beyond national borders, encompassing transnational challenges that affect not only the Eastern African region but also the entire continent and the world.
The region is not also exempt from challenges, as certain parts of our region are affected by cross-border and transnational crimes, he noted.
According to him, “Ethiopia is a crucial member of the Eastern Africa Standby Force and collaborates closely with other nations to continue the fight against terrorism.”
Ethiopia has the longest history
of combating terrorism in the region, Brigadier General Njema stated, adding that he is looking forward to having Ethiopia involve itself in all the operations that the standby force is going to undertake.
“I know they are going to do that because it (Ethiopia) is a very critical member of this organization. So, it is a very committed member of my organization.”
The director further elaborated that the region is now confronted with the resurgence of piracy.
“We realize that the maritime sphere is an area that needs to be addressed; and we are looking for having a command post exercise so that we can bring our forces together to address that very important sphere of operation.”
In this regard, the standby force is looking forward to receiving support from member states to enhance patrol capabilities and ensure the security of vital sea lanes of communication.
These lanes are crucial for regional trade, providing a safe environment for all businesses to operate, the director pointed out.
Ethiopia hosts th
e critical infrastructure of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), with its headquarters and logistical base situated in the country, it was learned.
EASF is a regional organization whose mandate is to enhance peace and security in the eastern Africa region.
It was established as a regional mechanism to provide capability for rapid deployment of forces to carry out preventive deployment, rapid intervention, peace support/stability operations and peace enforcement.
The standby force has been fully operational since 2014 and stands ready to undertake any deployment as needed.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency