East African heads of state are expected in Arusha on November 30 for the 21st Ordinary Summit as the Community marks its 20th anniversary while faced with several unaccomplished goals.
The Community is currently witnessing frosty relations between countries coupled with an uncertain economic future saddled by a growing debt burden.
Rwanda is at loggerheads with both Burundi and Uganda, while Kenya and Tanzania are still working through occasional trade disputes.
On the agenda is the rotational hosting of the summit by member states as opposed to meeting in Arusha, a development seen as important to raising the profile of the bloc.
The leaders will also review a report on the integration of a fragile South Sudan and consider progress on the verification exercise for the admission of Somalia into the bloc.
The regional leaders are expected to cement their support for Kenya’s pursuit for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.
The admission of DR Congo into the bloc will also be on the table after it made a formal application in June.
EAC countries see potential economic opportunities that DRC will bring, including its vast natural resources and a market of 81 million people.
By admin
November 10, 2019
