A delegation from the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), led by its Director, Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, has begun a six-day verification exercise to assess the military, police and civilian capabilities Rwanda has pledged to the regional force.
The exercise is intended to establish whether the committed resources are adequately prepared and capable of supporting regional peace and security operations whenever required. The official launch ceremony was held at the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Headquarters, where Maj. Gen. Dr. Ephrem Rurangwa, Chief of Medical Services in the RDF, received the delegation on behalf of Rwanda’s Chief of Defence Staff.
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RDF Highlights Importance of Operational Readiness
Speaking at the launch, Maj. Gen. Rurangwa said verification exercises are essential in ensuring that commitments made by member states translate into deployable capabilities for regional operations.
He also emphasised the importance of having well-trained personnel equipped with the necessary resources and ready for deployment whenever required. In his remarks, Brig. Gen. Rwivanga explained that the exercise forms part of EASF’s regular procedures for assessing capabilities pledged by its member states.
He said the assessment covers military personnel and equipment, as well as police and civilian components that support operations, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Rwivanga expressed confidence in Rwanda’s preparations, saying he had no doubt about the country’s ability to fulfil its commitments to the regional organisation.
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Delegation Inspects Military and Medical Capabilities
During the six-day exercise, the EASF delegation will assess capabilities pledged by Rwanda through its Land Force, Air Force and Military Medical Services, including inspections of personnel and equipment.
On the first day, the delegation inspected a Motorised Battalion, a Military Police Company and a Level 2 Medical Unit. The team also assessed Rwanda’s air medical evacuation capabilities for transporting casualties and wounded personnel during military operations, including the use of a Mi-17 helicopter and a Caravan aircraft.
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Special Forces and Police Capabilities Also Under Review
The delegation is also expected to inspect a Special Forces Squadron and a Light Infantry Battalion, as well as assess the capabilities Rwanda has committed through its police component.
The exercise will help determine whether the pledged military, police and civilian resources meet EASF standards and are ready for deployment in support of regional peace and security operations.
