ARUSHA-Leaders from the East African region have convened in Arusha for a pivotal summit aimed at addressing the key priorities that will determine the future of the community.
The gathering tackled crucial issues such as strengthening economic resilience, advancing peace and security, and enhancing intra-regional trade and development.In a major transition of the leadership, outgoing Chair, President Salva Kiir Mayardit, formally handed over the mantle to Kenya's President William Samoei Ruto, who will be guiding the East African Community for the next year.
President Kiir noted in his speech that the people of East Africa have high expectations from the regional integration."Our citizens' expectations are an inclusive, fair, and responsive integration that responds to their needs and aspirations of a prosperous, peaceful, and united East Africa," President Kiir said.
During his tenure, President Kiir reiterated his commitment to ensuring critical dialogue on peace and security in the region. "I have no doubt in my mind that East Africa must be a region where peace is cultivated and sustained," he said.
In his maiden speech, Ruto praised President Kiir for the significant strides in the region within the past year.
Ruto reiterated the EAC's vision as one that aims to become prosperous, competitive, secure, stable, and politically united.Ruto urged joint efforts by members to realize the aspirations of the community, whose ultimate beneficiaries, he said, would be all citizens, through increased cooperation and sustainable development.