EAC Summit

The 20th East African Community (EAC) Heads of State Summit took place in Arusha, Tanzania, today. During the submit President Paul Kagame of Rwanda took over the position of chair from President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.

The resolution of non-tariff barriers in the region was among the key priorities to be discussed, with President Museveni objecting to the high cost of business and transportation hurdles between the countries.

There was also a strong focus on fighting terrorism following the recent attack by Somalia based Al Shabaab militants in Kenya last month which claimed 21 lives.

Somalia applied to join the EAC in 2013, however a decision on its entry remains on hold. While the Presidents of Burundi and South Sudan were absent during the talks they were represented at the Summit.