President William Ruto has been elected as the new Chairperson of the East Africa Community (EAC), taking over from South Sudan President Salva Kiir.
The announcement was made on Saturday, November 30, following an election conducted by the Heads of State from seven member countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and Somalia.
President Ruto's appointment comes amidst the ongoing 24th EAC Heads of State Summit in Arusha, Tanzania. The summit began on Friday, November 29, and ends today.
The new post hands President Ruto more influence in the region, at a time when he continues to push for changes across the continent in his post as the African Union (AU) Champion for Institutional Reform.
Speaking during the summit on Saturday, November 30, President Ruto commended President Salva Kiir for successfully steering the EAC community over the last year. "Congratulations, Your Excellency, you made all of us proud," Ruto said.
"Under his leadership, the EAC has made immense strides in deepening integration and achieving progress in key areas that define our shared aspirations. His efforts and dedication deserve our almost gratitude," Ruto added.
Addressing the delegates, Ruto expressed his commitment to work diligently alongside all the regional leaders to advance the mission and vision of the community.
He further noted Kenya's preparedness to advance the region's integration agenda even as he called for the need to establish a political confederation within East Africa.
While acknowledging the progress made by the member countries in enhancing bilateral relations, the Head of State called for concerted efforts to address the prevailing challenges.
"Your Excellencies, the EAC's noble ambition is to be a prosperous, competitively stable, secure, and politically united region. This noble ambition unites our efforts and inspires our citizens," the Head of State remarked.
He added, "It is a vision grounded on the belief that the integration of our economies, the harmonisation of our policies, and the celebration of our diversities will unlock unprecedented opportunities for our shared prosperity."
Following his election as the region's chairperson, Ruto also vowed to prioritise improving the livelihoods of those within the region, prompting interregional trade, and driving investment in the EAC economies.
