New EAC chair to be known next week

ARUSHA: AS South Sudan nears the end of its term as Chairperson of the East African Community (EAC), the new chair will be known on November 30th this year, during the 24th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government.

The summit will also mark the climax of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the EAC, which was re-established in 1999.

The announcement was made by EAC Secretary General, Ms Veronica Nduva, during a press briefing at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha yesterday.

Ms Nduva said that the November 30th summit will be preceded by a series of events, including a festival featuring clothing, food, music and sports on November 28th this year.

She encouraged Tanzanians, including residents of Arusha and citizens from other EAC member states to participate in the celebrations.

Speaking about the upcoming chairmanship transition, Ms Nduva confirmed that the new EAC chair will be announced at the summit.

She stated, “The EAC Heads of State and Government will decide who will take over the position after South Sudan. We are grateful for the existing cooperation among EAC member states, which has made it possible to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the community.”

Currently, South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir holds the chairmanship, having received it from President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi.

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Ms Nduva also outlined the schedule for the celebrations leading up to the summit. In addition to the cultural and sporting events on November 28, there will be various meetings on November 29, including a high-level session, an EAC Ministers’ meeting and the 24th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government.

The summit will address key issues related to the four pillars of the EAC: the Common Market, Customs Union, Monetary Union and Political Federation, as well as matters of peace and security. These discussions are aimed at fostering the free movement of people, goods and services across the EAC region.

“The Heads of State from all eight EAC member countries will provide updates on the community’s progress and future direction. They will also highlight areas where we need to pay more attention, particularly in the Customs Union and other key areas,” Ms Nduva said.

“We are grateful to Tanzania, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, for their strong cooperation and support for the EAC Secretariat.”