Sunday April 25, 2021
FILE PHOTO: The flags of some of the member states of the East African Community./Getty Images
The incoming secretary-general of the East African Community Peter Mathuki vowed to oversee a speedy economic recovery of the region following the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic which has wreaked havoc in member states.
Mathuki made the comments on Friday following a handover ceremony with his predecessor, Liberat Mfumukeko of Burundi, whose tenure drew to a close. Mathuki’s five-year tenure is set to officially commence on April 25.
“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, I pledge to work with all stakeholders in the region to ensure swift economic recovery of our region, as well as build our own capacities, given the disruptions occasioned by the pandemic,” Mathuki said.
Mathuki also pledged to prioritize the integration process of the bloc, which has a full agenda, including Somalia’s application to join and consultations towards forming a political federation.
“As incoming secretary-general, I will do everything in my power to make sure that the EAC integration process takes its rightful place.”
“The EAC belongs to all of us – the people of East Africa, and I have taken on the duty to work towards a prosperous, secure and politically united region, that is people centered and private sector driven,” he added.
The bloc currently consists of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda Burundi, and South Sudan.