THE LONG awaited Eastern African Standby Force that has been on the drawing boards might soon become a reality now that member states have resolved to have it up and running by the end of the year. Threats to security have evolved to such an extent that weapons are more accessible due to the disintegration of weak states and high level corruption that turns state armories into open markets. That Burundi, Uganda and Rwanda have set the pace by offering to contribute a battalion each should spur other member states to follow suit. Many a time, transformative ideas remain dead letters because of lack of implementation. This should not be the case as insecurity is very unforgiving. Once it sets foot in one’s backyard, uprooting it will cost more than preemptive action. Rwanda takes security issues very seriously because it has experienced it first hand and understands its terrorising impacts on society. It knows that when a neighbour’s house is on fire, the fire can easily spread if no one goes to help put it out. But all efforts must also be put in place to promote good neighbourliness and mutual trust, because a neighbor who is unwilling to be helped is like a contagious disease let free to propagate. Maybe, then, will we be able to get rid of all negative forces of the region.
