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EAC Summit Faces Funding Crisis, Leadership Race, and DRC Concerns

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. ing-crisis-leadership-race-and-drc-concerns.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 9:44 GMT by The Citizen
      Locales: TANZANIA UNITED REPUBLIC OF, UGANDA, BURUNDI, KENYA, RWANDA

EAC Summit to Tackle Funding Crisis, Heated SG Race, and DRC Instability

Bujumbura, Burundi - February 22nd, 2026 - The East African Community (EAC) is at a critical juncture as heads of state convene today in Bujumbura, Burundi, for a high-stakes summit. Looming large on the agenda are persistent funding shortfalls, a fiercely contested race for the position of Secretary-General, and escalating security concerns stemming from ongoing unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The summit promises to be a defining moment for the regional bloc, potentially shaping its trajectory for years to come.

Financial Troubles Threaten EAC's Ambitions

The EAC is currently facing a significant budgetary crisis that threatens to derail its ambitious development plans. Sources within the Secretariat indicate the shortfall is substantial, impacting the implementation of key infrastructure projects, trade facilitation initiatives, and crucial social programs. While specific figures remain undisclosed, analysts estimate the outstanding contributions from member states to be in the tens of millions of dollars. This lack of consistent funding is not a new issue, but has reached a critical point, forcing the EAC to prioritize projects and postpone vital activities.

The root of the problem lies in the delayed or incomplete remittance of contributions by member states. While a defined contribution schedule exists, consistent adherence has been a challenge, often linked to economic difficulties within individual nations or differing priorities. This financial instability not only hampers current projects but also erodes investor confidence and hinders the EAC's ability to attract external funding. A key discussion point at the summit is expected to be a revised funding model that ensures greater predictability and accountability. Proposals on the table include exploring alternative revenue streams, such as a regional tax on specific goods or services, and strengthening mechanisms for enforcing timely contributions.

A Battle for Leadership: The SG Race

The search for a new Secretary-General is adding another layer of complexity to the summit. With Dr. Peter Mathuki's two-year tenure drawing to a close, the race to succeed him is intensifying. Two prominent candidates have emerged as frontrunners: Ms. Deborah Malonza of Uganda and Ambassador Amina Mohammed of Kenya.

Ms. Malonza brings a wealth of experience within the EAC framework, having previously held key positions within the Secretariat. Her intimate understanding of the community's inner workings and established relationships with member states position her as a continuity candidate. Ambassador Mohammed, on the other hand, offers a distinguished career as a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in international affairs, having previously served as Kenya's Minister for Foreign Affairs. She is lauded for her negotiating skills and ability to foster collaboration on a global scale.

The competition between the two candidates is reportedly fierce, with both Uganda and Kenya heavily lobbying for their respective nominees. This contest isn't just about individual merit; it reflects the broader geopolitical dynamics within the region. Observers anticipate a lengthy and potentially contentious debate among the heads of state before a final decision is reached. The chosen SG will be tasked with navigating the EAC through its financial challenges and furthering its integration agenda.

DRC Instability: A Regional Security Threat

Beyond the internal issues, the summit will address the deteriorating security situation in eastern DRC. Despite ongoing efforts by the EAC and other regional actors, violence persists, with numerous armed groups continuing to clash with government forces. This instability not only causes immense human suffering but also poses a significant threat to regional stability. The conflict has led to displacement, humanitarian crises, and disruptions to trade and economic activity.

The EAC has deployed a regional peacekeeping force to the DRC, but its effectiveness has been hampered by logistical challenges, funding constraints, and the complex political landscape. The heads of state are expected to discuss ways to strengthen the peacekeeping operation, enhance coordination with other regional initiatives, and address the root causes of the conflict. Discussions are likely to include a review of the mandate of the peacekeeping force, potentially expanding its scope to include more robust intervention capabilities. Furthermore, the summit will explore diplomatic avenues for resolving the conflict, including engaging with all stakeholders and promoting inclusive dialogue.

The decisions made at this summit will have profound implications for the future of the EAC. Successfully addressing the funding crisis, selecting a capable Secretary-General, and resolving the DRC conflict are crucial steps towards achieving the community's vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and integrated East Africa.