Kigali, 22 January 2026 — A delegation from the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) visited the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) headquarters in Kimihurura on Thursday to inspect air force equipment Rwanda has committed to regional standby operations.
Led by Brigadier General Getachew Ali, the EASF team was received by Brigadier General Godfrey Gasana, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Rwanda Air Force, representing RDF Chief of Defence Staff General Mubarakh Muganga.
The visit focused on verifying RDF’s air assets and ensuring they meet the standards required for regional emergency response and peace support missions.
According to RDF officials, the inspection is part of the ongoing process to include Rwanda’s equipment in the EASF Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for joint air operations.
EASF operational documents outline protocols for rapid air deployment, joint exercises, medical evacuation, and coordinated responses to emergencies across Eastern Africa.
After the inspection, the delegation visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, where they received a briefing on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The team laid wreaths and observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims.
This visit highlights Rwanda’s active role in regional security cooperation and the growing focus on preparedness for humanitarian and peacekeeping missions in Eastern Africa.
