The summit, themed "Promoting Trade, Sustainable Development, and Peace and Security for Improved Livelihoods," coincides with the EAC's 25th anniversary celebration.
Upon arrival at the airport, President Kagame was welcomed by Shariff Ali Shariff, the Minister of State in the President's Office for Work, Economy, and Investment of Zanzibar.
Along with President Kagame, other EAC Heads of State who have already arrived in Arusha include William Ruto of Kenya, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania.
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who also serves as the current EAC Chairperson, is expected to arrive later, while Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye is represented by Vice President Prosper Bazombanza.
It remains uncertain whether Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo will attend, as he did not participate in the extraordinary summit held in June 2024, in protest of President Ruto's comments regarding the M23 armed group not being Rwandan.
Over the past 25 years, the EAC has significantly expanded, growing from three founding members in July 1999 to eight current member states. While the community strives for political integration, this goal is often hindered by ongoing conflicts among its member states.
Théophile Niyitegeka
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/president-kagame-joins-eac-heads-of-state-for-24th-ordinary-summit
