By Horn Africa News
The 34th meeting of Defence Ministers from member states of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) officially opened today in Mogadishu, Somalia. The conference brought together ministers, military officials, and representatives from the EASF member countries.
Somalia’s Federal Minister of Defence, H.E. Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, inaugurated the meeting and expressed Somalia’s strong hope for the realization of the goals for which the EASF was established. He emphasized the critical role regional states play in maintaining peace and stability, particularly in the fight against terrorism.
“This meeting comes at a critical time when our region faces multiple challenges and serious security threats that endanger peace and stability. I urge full cooperation to prevent and counter these threats,” Minister Fiqi stated.
The Minister also specifically acknowledged the support that EASF member states have extended to Somalia, thanking them for their commitment to combating extremist groups and providing security assistance to the Somali government.
However, Minister Fiqi declined to comment on the recent incident involving a weapons-laden vessel intercepted by Puntland authorities, an issue that has sparked questions about relations between the federal government and regional states.
The meeting is expected to conclude with an official communiqué aimed at strengthening regional security cooperation.