Deepening Integration, demanding Accountability: Key takeaways from the 25th EAC Summit

Introduction

On the 7th of March 2026, the East African Community Heads of State convened in Arusha Tanzania, for the 25th ordinary Summit; under the theme ‘Deepening integration for improved livelihood of EAC citizens’. Established under Article 9 of the Treaty Establishing the East African Community (EAC Treaty),1 The Summit is the top organ of the region made up of the Heads of Government of partner States. The Summit is tasked with providing strategic direction, oversight, and final decision making power for regional integration.2 To realize their role, the Summit meets once every year to consider, approve, direct and ratify monumental policy decisions. These may include the admission of a new member into the community, peace and security initiatives, appointment into key offices such as judges of the EACJ, and regional economic decisions.3 For ease of coordination, the Summit is chaired by one head of government on a rotational basis for one year before handing over to another president. This practice has its genesis in the inception of the community.4 Since November 2024, President Ruto of Kenya had been the chair. While the chairperson is supposed to hold the position for a year, the Summit meeting is held at different times throughout the year, hence the variation in handovers. The 25th Summit was one of the most consequential yet, the Summit made bold yet progressive resolutions that will be addressed below. From the change of guard in different positions to a new funding model for the community, sanctions and relooking decision making; the Summit has positioned the community on an upward trajectory that will see an end to some of the community’s systemic challenges.

1. Change of guard

From the 24th of November 2024, the Summit was chaired by President Ruto who had taken the reins from the President Salva Kiir of South Sudan. However, as of 7th March 2026, the chair of the Summit will be President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda. Rwanda was selected as the Rapporteur of the Summit. In addition to the chairperson handover, the position of the Secretary General of the Community transitioned from Hon. Veronica Nduva of Kenya. Mr. Patrick Mbundi from Tanzania was appointed as the new Secretary General for a single five-year term.

2. EAC Status Report

Before handing over, President Ruto highlighted the community status and the strides taken over the past year. He addressed the progress made in resolving the stand still regarding eastern Congo between DRC and Rwanda. Ironically, according to the official communique of the Summit, both Heads of State of Rwanda and DRC skipped the Summit opting to send the prime minister and the minister in charge of regional integration respectively. Whether this is an indication of the progress of the peace talks remains too significant to be ignored. However, one of the key agenda read more...