News
Eastern Africa Standby Force pushes for self-reliance as donor support for peace operations declines
The regional security environment had become increasingly complex, with terrorism, violent extremism, maritime insecurity, cyber threats, transnational organised crime, humanitarian crises and climate-related insecurity placing additional pressure on governments.
Rebecca Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister, addresses officials during the 36th Ordinary Policy Organs Meeting of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) at Sheraton Hotel on August 14. (Photo by Simon Peter Tumwine)
By: Nelson Mandela Muhoozi, Journalist @New Vision
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The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) is pushing for greater African ownership and self-reliance in financing peace and security operations as declining external support threatens the ability of regional mechanisms to sustain missions.
The call was made on Friday, August 14, 2026, as defence and security ministers from EASF member states met at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala for the 36th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of Defence and Security.
The ministers’ session is expected to culminate in the adoption of recommendations arising from a four-day meeting of experts and Chiefs of Defence and Security.
EASF Director Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga said the regional security environment had become increasingly complex, with terrorism, violent extremism, maritime insecurity, cyber threats, transnational organised crime, humanitarian crises and climate-related insecurity placing additional pressure on governments.
He said the challenge was being compounded by a reduction in international financial support for peace support operations on the continent.
“The gradual reduction of international support for operational activity is evident. Africa must increasingly be prepared to finance, manage, and sustain its own peace support operations,” Rwivanga said, pointing to reduced donor financing for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The concerns come as EASF seeks to transform itself from a standby arrangement into a more capable regional mechanism able to respond rapidly when called upon by member states or the African Union.
Rwivanga said the force now had six member states that had pledged capabilities, up from four previously, with the expectation that all nine member states would have made the required pledges by the end of the year.
He said the challenge was being compounded by a reduction in international financial support for peace support operations on the continent.
“The gradual reduction of international support for operational activity is evident. Africa must increasingly be prepared to finance, manage, and sustain its own peace support operations,” Rwivanga said, pointing to reduced donor financing for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The concerns come as EASF seeks to transform itself from a standby arrangement into a more capable regional mechanism able to respond rapidly when called upon by member states or the African Union.
Rwivanga said the force now had six member states that had pledged capabilities, up from four previously, with the expectation that all nine member states would have made the required pledges by the end of the year.
Accordingly, he said the commitments were already improving the force’s financial position. “We were surprised to see that Member States are actually fulfilling their commitments. So at least our coffers are comfortable right now,” he said.
Ethiopia has pledged strategic airlift capabilities using C-130 aircraft to transport personnel and equipment to crisis areas, while Kenya has pledged reconnaissance capabilities.
Meanwhile, Rwanda has pledged medical evacuation helicopters and other assets, while Uganda has pledged search and rescue capabilities.
The ministers are also expected to consider proposals on resource mobilisation, donor engagement, audit and administrative affairs, financial management, governance and amendments to EASF staff regulations.
Rwivanga revealed that the meeting has been a preparation ground for an EASF Heads of State Summit, which Uganda is expected to host later this year.
He said that it will be the first such summit in 13 years. “The leaders are expected to provide strategic direction on the future of the regional force and its role in strengthening peace, security and stability in Eastern Africa,” he said.
Ethiopia has pledged strategic airlift capabilities using C-130 aircraft to transport personnel and equipment to crisis areas, while Kenya has pledged reconnaissance capabilities.
Meanwhile, Rwanda has pledged medical evacuation helicopters and other assets, while Uganda has pledged search and rescue capabilities.
The ministers are also expected to consider proposals on resource mobilisation, donor engagement, audit and administrative affairs, financial management, governance and amendments to EASF staff regulations.
Rwivanga revealed that the meeting has been a preparation ground for an EASF Heads of State Summit, which Uganda is expected to host later this year.
He said that it will be the first such summit in 13 years. “The leaders are expected to provide strategic direction on the future of the regional force and its role in strengthening peace, security and stability in Eastern Africa,” he said.