EAC names KiswahiliFrench official languages. Elect leaders

The East African Community (EAC) has officially recognized Kiswahili and French as new official languages of the region.

This decision was made during the 24th Ordinary Summit of the East African Heads of State in Tanzania. At the summit, leaders signed and approved amendments to Article 137 of the EAC treaty.

Previously, Article 137 recognized English as the region’s official language. It also called for Kiswahili to be developed as the Community’s lingua franca.

However, the EAC had no formal policy to make Kiswahili an official language across all eight member states.

Kiswahili

Kiswahili is widely spoken in Tanzania and Kenya. It is also partially used in Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Somalia.

French, on the other hand, is the official language in other EAC countries like Burundi, Rwanda, Congo, and the DRC.

Change of leadership

At the summit, President William Ruto was elected as the EAC chairperson for the year 2024/25. President Hussein Mohamud of Somalia was appointed as the rapporteur.

The role of chairperson was previously held by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir. President Ruto outlined his priorities for the region.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir hands over the chairmanship mantle to President Ruto during the EAC Heads of State summit in Arusha, Tanzania

He pledged to promote peace, stability, and economic development. His goal is to strengthen trade and investment within the EAC.

“Trade is a key driver of economic growth and regional integration,” Ruto said.

He emphasized the need to address barriers to trade within the EAC. He called for the elimination of non-tariff barriers and improvements in infrastructure connectivity.

Additionally, he stressed the importance of regulatory harmonization. According to Ruto, these steps will create a seamless trading environment and boost economic growth.

President Ruto also highlighted the importance of unity among member states. He urged leaders to work together to harness the region’s potential and improve the livelihoods of its citizens.

“A united East Africa is stronger and more prosperous. Together, we can achieve greater social and economic progress for our people,” he concluded.

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