The summit was preceded by the 45th extraordinary meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers.
The summit left regional presidents giving consent for the conclusion of negotiations that will see the Democratic Republic of Congo join the East African Community (EAC).
“The summit directed the Council to expeditiously commence and conclude negotiations with the DRC for admission to the East African Community and report to the next summit,” reads part of a communique released after the meeting.
The Heads of State also directed the EAC Secretariat to make a report on proposals to amend sections of the EAC Treaty that deal with the quorum at meetings.
“The summit considered the proposal to amend rule 11 of the rules of procedure for the summit of the heads of state or government and directed the Secretariat to convene an extraordinary meeting of the sectoral council on legal and judicial affairs to deliberate and advise on this proposal for consideration by the next summit which shall consider and conclude on this matter.”
The DRC applied for admission into East African Community in June 2019.
Today’s meeting, led by EAC Chair President Uhuru Kenyatta also observed a moment of silence in honour of former Tanzania President John Magafuli, who died in March 2021.
Other Heads of State present at the summit include; Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda).
Burundi was represented by Vice President Prosper Bazombanza, Deng Kuol (also Minister of EAC Affairs) represented South Sudan.
Leave a Reply