13th EAC meeting deliberates on regional defence, peace, security

NAIROBI:THE East African Community member states have convened in Nairobi for the 13th Joint Sectoral Council Meeting of Ministers responsible for Defence, Peace and Security, alongside the Council on Foreign Policy Coordination, to discuss key regional issues.

Tanzania’s delegation to the experts’ meeting was led by Brigadier General Anna Kerengi and included technical officials from ministries responsible for peace, defence, security, and foreign policy coordination within the bloc.

During the session, experts deliberated on cross-cutting issues related to regional defence, peace, and security, as well as the coordination of foreign policies, with the aim of strengthening cooperation among member states.

Opening the meeting, the Chairperson, Dr. Andrew Musiime from Uganda, urged member states to expedite the implementation of agreed decisions to accelerate regional development.

He noted that the execution of many EAC resolutions has been slower than expected, emphasizing the need for deliberate and timely action to enhance the effectiveness of the community.

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The experts’ meeting precedes the Permanent Secretaries’ sessions scheduled for April 1, followed by the Ministerial Meeting set for April 2, 2026.

Key agenda items include reviewing a draft strategy on women’s inclusion in peace and security within the East African Community, receiving updates on the development of an integrated electronic early warning system, and proposals to enhance the participation of civil society, the private sector, and faith-based institutions in conflict prevention, management, and resolution.

The United Republic of Tanzania is expected to be represented at the ministerial level by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, as well as the Minister for Home Affairs.