Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, officially closed the 35th Ordinary Meeting of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Ministers, held in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
Prime Minister Hamza noted that hosting the meeting in Mogadishu reflects Somalia’s progress in peacebuilding, stability, and national reconstruction, as well as the confidence regional countries place in Somalia.
He emphasized that Eastern Africa continues to face common security challenges, including terrorism, cross-border crimes, maritime security threats, the impacts of climate change, and humanitarian crises. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts, combining security measures, development initiatives, and diplomatic solutions.
The Prime Minister highlighted the critical role of the EASF in ensuring regional security and praised the in-depth discussions and assessments by security experts and participating officials, which focused on advancing plans, budgeting, and strategic priorities for the future.
During the meeting, Somalia formally handed over the EASF chairmanship, which it held for the past year, to the government of Uganda. A ceremonial transfer of the EASF flag was carried out by an elite unit of the Somali National Army, symbolizing the handover of leadership.
Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, also addressed the meeting, noting the significant progress achieved during Somalia’s tenure at the helm of the EASF.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Hamza expressed gratitude to all participants for their contributions and efforts, emphasizing that the decisions made at the meeting will help strengthen peace, stability, and security across Eastern Africa.
