The Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Gen. Mubarakh Muganga, has stressed that addressing security challenges in East Africa requires not only skilled military personnel but also adequate equipment and logistical support.
He made the remarks on October 19, 2026, while officially opening a two-week training programme and exercise for members of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) at the Gako Military Academy in Bugesera District. The event has brought together 30 participants from nine EASF member states, including military personnel, military discipline officers, police officers and civilians.
The training aims to strengthen participants’ preparedness for peace support and security operations, with particular emphasis on the timely delivery of essential resources, including military equipment, humanitarian supplies, medical services and other necessities. The programme combines classroom instruction with practical exercises.
Gen. Mubarakh Emphasises Preparedness for Security Operations
Gen. Mubarakh said the EASF plays an important role in implementing the African Union’s mandate for peace support and security operations, particularly in East Africa.
he said: “Considering the various security challenges facing the region and the continent as a whole, strong partnerships, cooperation, and proper preparation for security operations are essential,” He stressed that having skilled military and police personnel alone was not enough to guarantee successful missions.
he said: “Equipment is a key pillar in ensuring that security operations are effective and achieve their intended objectives. Today, success requires not only proper planning, effective leadership, and skilled personnel but also efficient systems for transporting people and supplies, delivering equipment where it is needed, providing medical support, and ensuring that all other necessary resources are available at the mission site.”
He added that although preparedness requires the collective efforts of all EASF member states, Rwanda remains committed to supporting regional cooperation in peacekeeping and security operations.
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EASF Assesses Readiness of Member States
The Director General of the EASF, Brig. Gen. Ronald Rwivanga, said the organisation had been conducting assessments of military personnel, police officers and civilians serving within its structures for the past 12 years to determine their readiness for deployment during emergencies.
He explained that assessment teams visit each member state to evaluate personnel and operational capabilities. The teams recently visited Uganda and are scheduled to visit Rwanda in November 2026. The assessments examine the readiness of security personnel, their operational status and the resources available to enable them to respond when required.
he said: “Without conducting these exercises, we would not be able to identify critical gaps that could emerge when forces are deployed on missions.” The assessments are intended to identify operational weaknesses and help member states address gaps that could affect the effectiveness of future deployments.
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Kenya Calls for Regional Cooperation
Kenya’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Janet Mwawasi Oben, said lasting peace requires cooperation across the region, bringing together political dialogue, diplomacy, military collaboration and effective institutions.
She stressed that combining these approaches, including through EASF activities, would enable countries in the region to pool their resources and collectively address emerging security challenges.
The two-week programme is expected to strengthen regional preparedness and cooperation by improving participants’ understanding of the resources and logistical arrangements required for effective peace support and security operations.
