President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Friday, formally assumed the Chairmanship of the East African Community on Friday. This came as East African leaders gathered in Arusha for the 23rd Ordinary EAC.
Burundian President Evariste Ndayshimiye whose tenure has come to an end, handed the mantle to President Kiir in an elaborated ceremony.
The East African Community Heads of State summit also admited the Federal Republic of Somalia as the 8th Member state of the bloc, in accordance with Article 3 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC.
In his address, President Kiir pledged to foster regional integration for greater prosperity and strategic security for the region.
“Guided by our vision for a prosperous, competitive, secure, stable and politically united East Africa, I will focus on enhancing integration within the region during my tenure and shall continue to focus on regional peace initiatives, strengthen security measures, advance political processes and establish emergency response mechanisms. All these will be aimed at promoting good governance.” President Kiir reiterated.
Burundian President, Evariste congratulated President Kiir on his new role, saying the region should focus on building infrastructure to enhance intra-state trade and supply chain system.
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu commended President Kiir for assuming the leadership of the regional bloc, promising to support his tenure.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s President Dr. William Samoei Ruto said “the region must not lose sight of great potential that East Africa has and the region must build a common market”.
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