What You Need to Know
Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and security during the 13th Joint Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Councils. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation among partner states, implementing strategic plans for women’s participation in peace initiatives, and strengthening the EAC Early Warning System to address security threats.
Africa-Press – Tanzania. TANZANIA has renewed its commitment to advancing regional peace, security and diplomatic cooperation, as it continues to actively participate in collective security efforts across the region.
The commitment was underscored during the 13th Joint Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Councils responsible for Cooperation in Defence, Peace and Security, and the Sectoral Council on the Coordination of Foreign Policy of the East African Community (EAC), held on Wednesday in Nairobi, Kenya.
The meeting brought together senior officials responsible for defence, peace, security and foreign policy coordination from EAC partner states.
Speaking during the meeting, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and National Service, Dr Faraji Mnyepe, said the forum provided an important platform for partner states to assess progress in addressing regional peace and security challenges, while strengthening joint strategies.
“This meeting has provided us with an important platform to assess where we stand as a region in addressing peace and security challenges and, more importantly, to strengthen our joint strategies ,” said Dr Mnyepe.
The high-level meeting convened Permanent Secretaries responsible for defence, peace, security and foreign policy coordination to review progress in implementing key regional priorities. Among the issues discussed was the implementation of previous Council decisions, which Dr Mnyepe described as crucial for ensuring continuity and accountability within the EAC cooperation framework.
“We have carefully reviewed the implementation report of previous decisions and noted both the progress made and areas that require renewed commitment from partner states,” he said.
Dr Mnyepe also emphasised the importance of strengthening the EAC Integrated Early Warning System, which plays a key role in detecting and preventing potential security threats in the region.
The meeting further considered a draft strategic plan aimed at enhancing women’s participation in peace, defence and security within the EAC framework. Dr Mnyepe said the initiative recognises the vital role women play in peace building and conflict resolution.
“Women play a crucial role in peace building, and this strategic plan is a step forward in ensuring their meaningful participation in all aspects of security and conflict resolution,” he stated.
In addition, the Permanent Secretaries reviewed another strategic plan focusing on engaging Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in conflict prevention, management and resolution, recognising their role in fostering dialogue and addressing the root causes of conflicts within communities.
In a separate meeting held on Thursday, the 13th Joint Meeting of the Sectoral Councils of Ministers responsible for Cooperation in Defence, Peace and Security, and the Sectoral Council on the Coordination of Foreign Policy, further emphasised the importance of increasing women’s participation in peace and security matters.
During the session, the Community adopted a strategic framework aimed at enhancing women’s involvement in peace and security initiatives, in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
The ministers also discussed strengthening the EAC Early Warning System for defence, security and disaster-related matters, which is expected to improve the region’s capacity to respond to emerging threats.
The meeting was chaired by Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, who called on partner states to expedite the implementation of decisions and directives issued by the councils.
She also stressed the need to strengthen coordination of foreign policies among partner states to effectively address emerging global security and political challenges. The agenda discussed aligns with broader regional development priorities, including Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, which promotes strong governance systems and inclusive leadership.
Tanzania has already started implementing some of these priorities at the national level, including initiatives aimed at promoting competent and resilient women leaders in the defence and security sectors.
Tanzania has historically played a significant role in promoting peace and security in the East African region. As a founding member of the East African Community (EAC), it has engaged in various diplomatic efforts to foster cooperation among member states. The EAC has been instrumental in addressing regional conflicts and enhancing collective security measures, reflecting Tanzania’s commitment to stability and development in East Africa. The recent meetings highlight ongoing efforts to adapt to emerging security challenges and the importance of inclusive strategies that involve women and civil society organizations in peacebuilding efforts.
