Leaders convene EAC summit on next secretary general

Summary:

• EAC Summit signals early departure for Secretary General Mathuki, with Caroline Mueke poised to step in. Legal uncertainties and corruption allegations complicate the transition.

---

The East African Community (EAC) is on the brink of a significant leadership transition as signals emerge of a possible early departure for outgoing Secretary General Peter Mathuki. Reports indicate that a Heads of State summit has been slated for April 15, potentially cutting short Mathuki’s tenure, which typically spans six months following a recall.

In a communique dated March 28, South Sudan’s EAC Affairs Minister Deng Alor Kuol, serving as the chairperson, announced plans for a virtual convening of the EAC Council of Ministers on March 15, preceding the crucial Summit. The Summit’s agenda will include deliberations on Mathuki’s fate, with Caroline Mwende Mueke poised to step in as the 7th secretary general. If confirmed, Mueke, a Kenyan, will follow in the footsteps of Francis Muthaura and Mathuki himself, becoming the third Kenyan to hold this esteemed position.

Hon. Kuol emphasized the urgency of the Summit, stating, “President Salva Kiir has requested the Heads of States to hold an extra-ordinary Summit virtually on April 15, 2024, to consider the appointment of Ms Caroline Mwende Mueke as the Secretary General of the East African Community.” The process involves formalities such as swearing in Mueke and setting the date for assuming office, effectively marking the end of Mathuki’s three-year tenure.

Currently serving as the regional coordination advisor in the Management and Coordination Unit of the UN Regional Directors’ Team for Eastern and Southern Africa, Mueke brings a wealth of experience to the role. Meanwhile, Mathuki faces parliamentary vetting in Kenya on April 8, amidst lingering confusion surrounding his official resignation from the EAC post.

The decision to convene the Summit was propelled by Kenya’s request to recall Mathuki from his EAC role following his nomination as Kenya’s envoy to Moscow. Despite the formal communication from Kenya’s EAC Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza, uncertainties persist regarding the specifics of Mathuki’s exit.

The legal framework governing the removal of a secretary general from office lacks clarity, leaving room for interpretation. Seeking legal counsel from the EAC’s legal team, Mathuki aims to navigate the intricacies of his situation amidst the looming vetting process.

Allegations of corruption and concerns regarding operations at the EAC headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, have further complicated Mathuki’s position, ultimately leading to his anticipated departure.

As the region braces for this impending transition, the EAC prepares to usher in a new chapter under Mueke’s leadership, marking a pivotal moment in the organization’s trajectory.

Follow @examinerug