East African Community(EAC) Secretariat has announced the postponement of the 21st Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Heads of State Summit initially scheduled for Saturday, November 30. The Summit is expected to take place in either January or February next year.
The regional bloc as of now includes countries like Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, and Tanzania. The EAC Secretariat has confirmed that DR Congo’s interest in joining the EAC will be discussed by regional leaders in their next Ordinary Summit. President Félix Tshisekedi had conveyed to EAC Chairman, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, his country’s wish to be a member of the regional bloc. Subsequently, Kinshasa’s request was put on the agenda of the next Summit of EAC Heads of State and Government.
The Community had initially only three Partner states in 1999. Later it expanded to six members. Somalia and DR Congo has now applied for membership to join the bloc. It is observed that the Community over the years has made the region more attractive for investment and improving the living standards of the people of East Africa.
Though the Summit was postponed, the 39th Meeting of the Council of Ministers took place as scheduled on Nov 21st.
