The Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who has been the chairman of the East African Community (EAC) for more than one year, has handed over the regional leadership mantle to his Tanzanian counterpart Jakaya Kikwete at the 11th EAC summit in Arusha.
Kikwete was elected as the new EAC Chairperson by leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Burundi and Rwanda replacing Kagame.
In his hand-over speech, President Kagame enumerated the achievements under his term. He said that the establishment of the Customs Union had enhanced trade among the partner states, adding that the fears of loss of revenue of some partner states has been mitigated with little impact on the business.
Kagame added that East Africa has been marketed as a region in terms of investment and tourist destination. The former chairman disclosed that negotiations with partners such as the European Union registered remarkable improvement in his term.
“We should accelerate the pace because the vision is reachable,” Kagame said, the Rwandan state radio this evening.
On his part, President Kikwete thanked his Rwandan counterpart for the impressive performance despite the fact that Rwanda is still a new member. “We shall emulate you and rise to the occasion,” he said.
On the same development, the regional leaders awarded certificates to those who have negotiated the different protocols. Permanent Secretaries of Ministries in charge of East African Affairs and the Chief Country negotiators received certificates of recognition.
At a colorful ceremony held at the Arusha International Conference Centre in Tanzania, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi, Mwai Kibaki of Kenya and Paul Kagame of Rwanda signed the protocol that will see borders between member states opened up to allow the free flow of goods, services, capital and persons.
The 11th ordinary Summit coincided with the 10th anniversary of the community. The five leaders also inspected and laid a foundation stone for the headquarters of the Community. Construction will take 18 months and is jointly funded by the Federal Republic of Germany.
Source African Press Agency
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