EAC Heads of State to Meet Amid Ongoing Security Crisis in Eastern DRC

ARUSHA March 2, 2026 - The East African Community (EAC) is set to hold its 25th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Arusha, Tanzania, under the theme “Deepening Integration to Improve the Living Conditions of EAC Citizens.” The summit aims to advance regional integration, review institutional reports, and launch key initiatives, including the EAC Customs Guarantee and the 7th Development Strategy (2026/27-2030/31). The meeting will also address governance matters, including the appointment of a new Secretary-General, judges to the East African Court of Justice, renewal of Deputy Secretaries-General, appointments to the EAC Competition Authority, and ratification of draft laws from the East African Legislative Assembly. However, the summit occurs amid persistent security tensions in eastern DRC, where clashes continue between the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and AFC/M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda. Diplomatic strains between Kinshasa and Kigali remain high despite the Washington and Doha peace processes, complicating regional stabilization efforts. Kinshasa also maintains a strained relationship with the EAC, perceiving insufficient engagement or balance from the regional bloc. This tension traces back to the 24th EAC Summit in November 2024, which President Félix Tshisekedi did not attend, and the ineffectiveness of the EAC Regional Force (EACRF), whose mandate expired in December 2023 without renewal. Frustrated by the inability of the EACRF to neutralize armed groups, the DRC has increasingly sought collaboration with SADC forces, following the withdrawal of its troops from Goma amid rebel advances. Despite these challenges, the EAC remains a central actor in regional stability and integration. Observers are closely watching how the Kenyan presidency under President William Ruto will address the security crisis in eastern DRC and restore confidence in the Community’s role in regional peace and economic integration.