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Rwanda Joins EAC Partner States in Strengthening Regional Preparedness for Anticipated El Niño
Nairobi, Kenya, 6 November 2026 – Minister Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert Murasira today attended the Ministerial Session of the Extra-Ordinary Joint Sectoral Council on Cooperation in Defence, Interstate Security and Foreign Policy Coordination, convened in Nairobi to discuss regional preparedness and response to the anticipated El Niño phenomenon.
The meeting brought together representatives of East African Community (EAC) Partner States to strengthen regional cooperation and coordinate preparedness and response measures against potential climate-related hazards associated with El Niño.
In his remarks, Minister Murasira commended the Government of Kenya for hosting the meeting and the EAC Secretariat for convening the regional engagement, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing climate-related risks.
He noted that Rwanda, like other EAC Partner States, remains exposed to climate-related hazards, including floods, landslides, strong winds and other extreme weather events. He added that Rwanda had already started experiencing some impacts of extreme weather, underscoring the need for vigilance, timely information sharing and proactive preparedness.
“Climate-related hazards do not respect national borders, and their impacts can quickly transcend geographical boundaries, affecting communities, infrastructure, livelihoods, food security, public health and regional economic activities,” he said.
The Minister emphasized the need for EAC Partner States to strengthen regional coordination and cooperation in mitigating risks, preparing for potential impacts and ensuring effective disaster response.
He also highlighted the importance of developing regional contingency plans and corrective measures to minimize disruptions to businesses and the movement of people and goods across the region in the event of El Niño-related impacts.
The anticipated El Niño presents a shared concern for the region, requiring countries to remain vigilant and flexible given uncertainties in weather forecasts. Coordinated action and timely exchange of information will therefore be essential in strengthening preparedness and protecting communities and critical infrastructure.
Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with other EAC Partner States to strengthen regional preparedness and response efforts.
The Ministerial Session builds on technical preparations undertaken by Permanent Secretaries, senior officials and experts from Partner States and the EAC Secretariat, with discussions expected to provide strategic direction for coordinated regional action.
Rwanda Joins EAC Partner States in Strengthening Regional Preparedness for Anticipated El Niño
Nairobi, Kenya, 6 November 2026 – Minister Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert Murasira today attended the Ministerial Session of the Extra-Ordinary Joint Sectoral Council on Cooperation in Defence, Interstate Security and Foreign Policy Coordination, convened in Nairobi to discuss regional preparedness and response to the anticipated El Niño phenomenon.
The meeting brought together representatives of East African Community (EAC) Partner States to strengthen regional cooperation and coordinate preparedness and response measures against potential climate-related hazards associated with El Niño.
In his remarks, Minister Murasira commended the Government of Kenya for hosting the meeting and the EAC Secretariat for convening the regional engagement, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing climate-related risks.
He noted that Rwanda, like other EAC Partner States, remains exposed to climate-related hazards, including floods, landslides, strong winds and other extreme weather events. He added that Rwanda had already started experiencing some impacts of extreme weather, underscoring the need for vigilance, timely information sharing and proactive preparedness.
“Climate-related hazards do not respect national borders, and their impacts can quickly transcend geographical boundaries, affecting communities, infrastructure, livelihoods, food security, public health and regional economic activities,” he said.
The Minister emphasized the need for EAC Partner States to strengthen regional coordination and cooperation in mitigating risks, preparing for potential impacts and ensuring effective disaster response.
He also highlighted the importance of developing regional contingency plans and corrective measures to minimize disruptions to businesses and the movement of people and goods across the region in the event of El Niño-related impacts.
The anticipated El Niño presents a shared concern for the region, requiring countries to remain vigilant and flexible given uncertainties in weather forecasts. Coordinated action and timely exchange of information will therefore be essential in strengthening preparedness and protecting communities and critical infrastructure.
Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with other EAC Partner States to strengthen regional preparedness and response efforts.
The Ministerial Session builds on technical preparations undertaken by Permanent Secretaries, senior officials and experts from Partner States and the EAC Secretariat, with discussions expected to provide strategic direction for coordinated regional action.