Ethiopia to Further Expand Role in Africa’s Peace and Security Efforts: ENDF Chief of Staff

Addis Ababa, May 19, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia will continue to strengthen its contribution to peace and security efforts across Africa, Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, said following high-level talks with senior officials of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) in Addis Ababa.

The discussions, held at ENDF headquarters today, brought together Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed, incoming EASF Director Lt. Gen. Ronald Rwiwanga, and outgoing Director Lt. Gen. Paul Kahuria Njema.

During the meeting, the outgoing EASF Director presented a briefing on the activities and operational engagements of the regional peace and security mechanism, while commending Ethiopia’s leadership and continued commitment to regional stability initiatives.

Field Marshal Berhanu Jula said the Eastern Africa Standby Force was established to reinforce regional cooperation and political solidarity among member states in addressing shared security challenges.

He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening its support for the regional force, noting that the country has long played a significant role in continental peacekeeping and security efforts.

According to the ENDF Chief of Staff, Ethiopia’s contribution to peace and security operations in Africa will continue to expand in line with regional and continental priorities.

Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed also underscored Ethiopia’s longstanding role in regional peace and security initiatives, stating that the country will continue working closely with partner institutions to enhance coordinated responses to security challenges in the region.

Incoming EASF Director Lt. Gen. Ronald Rwiwanga, on his part, expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s continued engagement and support for the regional organization, emphasizing the importance of sustained cooperation in advancing collective peace and security objectives.

The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) is a regional, multidimensional peacekeeping organization established to provide rapid deployments for conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance, and peace support operations. It is one of five regional components of the continental African Standby Force (ASF).