Preparation for the 11th Summit of the Heads of State of the East African Community is underway here in Arusha with Speakers of the EAC National Parliaments attending a Special Session on 19 November 2009 and the Council of the Ministers holding its 19th Ordinary Meeting.
President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi will attend the Summit, due Friday 20 November 2009. H.E Amani Abeid Karume, President of Zanzibar is also expected to attend.
EALA Legislators will be among the high profile foreign dignitaries expected in Arusha for the EAC event.
During the 11th Summit, the EAC Heads of State will receive a Progress Report of the Council of Ministers of the East African Community on the activities of the EAC covering the period April 2009 to November 2009.
The EAC Heads of State will also receive a report on the way forward on the establishment of the EAC Political Federation and also a report on the progress towards establishing the EAC Monetary Union. The Summit will receive a report on the finalization of the negotiations on the Protocol for the Establishment of the East African Community Common Market
The Summit is expected to receive a report on the development of a regional youth employment programme and adopt the declaration on employment creation and poverty reduction with a special focus on youth.
The Summit will also receive a report on the finalization of the development of the EAC Anthem. The EAC Heads of State are expected to lay the foundation stone to mark the commencement of the construction works of the EAC Headquarters building and plant commemorative trees at the site.
As part of the EAC 10th Anniversary celebrations, the Heads of State will launch the EAC Anthem, sign the Protocol for the Establishment of the East African Community Common Market, award Trophies to Winners of the EAC 10th Anniversary Football Competition and address a public rally at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha. To crown the 10th anniversary celebrations, the Heads of State will join East African citizens in a dinner gala at the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge, in Arusha.
The Summit
The Summit is the highest Organ of the East African Community and it gives general directions and impetus for the development and achievement of the objectives of the Community.
