Ethiopia Chief of Army calls on members states to strengthen East Africa Standby Force 

Addis Ababa, April 1, 2022 (FBC) – The Chief of Ethiopian Defense Forces and Chairman of the Committee comprising Chiefs of the Defense Forces of East African countries, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula said the East Africa Standby Force should make preparations fitting the current security issues in the region.

Field Marshal Birhanu said this yesterday while making remarks at the conclusion of the 15-day training given to officers of member states in Kenya.

He also appreciated member states for sending trainees to the session as a manifestation of their commitment to strengthen the Standby Force.

East Africa Standby Force Secretariat Director, B. General Getachew Shiferaw, on his part, highlighted the importance of the training and experience sharing sessions in boosting the capacity of the Standby Force.

The training drew members of the Defense Forces, Police and civilian crew from Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, Somalia, Seychelles and Comoros. 

The Field Marshal had a meeting with the Defense Minister and Chief of the Defense Forces of Kenya where they underscored the need to boost the capacity of the Standby Force through active participation of the member states.

Eugene Ludovic Wamalwa, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Kenya  reiterated the longstanding relationship between Ethiopia and Kenya further calling on the countries to cement ties along with the rich tradition of fraternity between the two countries.