NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 2 – South Sudan has formally joined the East African Community during the 17th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State held in Arusha.
The entry of South Sudan to the EAC brings its membership to six. The other nations are Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
During the summit, Tanzania President Pombe Magufuli was endorsed to continue sitting as EAC chairman for another year.
The Heads of State also witnessed the swearing-in of Burundian Liberat Mfumukeko as the new Secretary General, replacing Richard Sezibera whose five year term ends in April.
The EAC Heads of State also launched the new international East African E-passport to commence from 1st January 2017.