CP Rumanzi is representing the Inspector General of Rwanda National Police, CG Felix Namuhoranye, at this high-level security gathering.

The three-day meeting, taking place from July 17 to 19, 2025, brings together Chiefs of Defence and senior security officials from the nine EASF member states: Rwanda, Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda. Seychelles is the only member state not participating in this session.

The meeting is focused on addressing current peace and security challenges facing the Eastern Africa region and exploring effective, sustainable strategies to prevent and respond to emerging threats.

Founded in 2004, the EASF is one of the five regional standby forces under the African Standby Force (ASF) framework. It comprises three main components: the military, police, and civilian personnel, each trained for specific roles in peacekeeping and rapid intervention operations.

EASF operates through a structured hierarchy:

• The Assembly of Heads of State and Government, which serves as the highest decision-making body,
• Followed by the Council of Ministers of Defence,
• Then the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff,
• And the Secretariat, which handles the day-to-day operational implementation.

In 2014, EASF reached full operational capability, enabling it to deploy effectively in crisis situations across the continent.

Between 2021 and late 2024, the Force trained 455 civilians, 888 police officers, and 788 military personnel across its member states. The EASF currently has a standby force of over 8,000 troops, ready for rapid deployment in peace support missions.

The previous (33rd) edition of this Policy Organs Meeting was held in Rwanda in 2024.