From Business Insider
A long-delayed east African rapid reaction force – meant to help stamp out unrest from the Seychelles to Rwanda – will be up and running in December, senior regional officials said.
The idea of a joint force for the region – home to some of the continent’s most promising economies, but also some of its least stable countries, including Somalia – was first mooted in 2004, but has been beset by delays and funding shortfalls.
The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), with 5,000 soldiers from 10 nations, will help the region deal with its own rebellions, civil wars and coups, and reduce its reliance on foreign troops, officials at a meeting of defense minister said.
“This is aimed at making sure that we keep our own security. The U.N. can come and complement, but we want to make sure that we take charge,” said Rwanda’s Defense Forces spokesman, Brig Gen. Joseph Nzabamwita.
Written by Clement Uwiringiyimana/Read more at Business Insider
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