South Sudan, led by President Salva Kiir, is set to assume the chairmanship of the East African Community (EAC), taking over from Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye. The EAC is facing challenges with member states defaulting on their financial dues, with South Sudan being the largest defaulter, owing about $30 million. The Democratic Republic of Congo, a new member, has not yet contributed to its arrears. The upcoming EAC Heads of State Summit will address issues such as climate change and food security. The East African Legislative Assembly is considering a motion to suspend member states that fail to meet their financial obligations. South Sudan is criticized for its lack of engagement in the EAC and is still grappling with implementing the EAC Customs Union and Common Market. President Kiir will also oversee the regional bloc's discussions on peace and security, particularly in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kenya's EAC Affairs Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza joined the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) as an ex-officio member, with a commitment to promote regional integration. She succeeded Rebecca Miano and will participate in EALA sessions in Arusha, although she will not have voting rights as per Article 48 of the EAC treaty.

Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye has reshuffled his Cabinet, replacing four ministers. The announcement was made on the state broadcaster RTNB by the Secretary General of Government Prosper Ntahorwamiye. The new appointments include Dr Liduine Baradahana for Public Health and the Fight against HIV, Prosper Dodiko for Environment, Agriculture and Raring, Venuste Muyabaga for Civil Service, Labour and Employment, and Gervais Abayeho for Foreign Affairs. This reshuffle is part of a series of changes made by President Ndayishimiye since his office tenure began in 2020, including firing the prime minister and revoking 35 magistrates.

The East African Business Council is advocating for liberalized trade within the East African Community (EAC), despite challenges with the free movement of goods and persons since the signing of the common market protocol over a decade ago. Private sector businesses, companies, and EAC ministers from Uganda and Burundi are attending a summit to discuss economic growth, including tax harmonization, investment opportunities, and climate change. The EAC has seen a 15% increase in intra-regional trade in 2023 compared to 2022. The African Continental Free Trade Area, ratified by 43 African countries, aims to create a single market of over 1.4 billion people on the continent.

Burundi has declared it will maintain a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing peaceful resolution through dialogue. This position was reiterated during Sergey Lavrov's visit, the first by a top Russian official to Burundi in 60 years. Lavrov's tour, which included a stop in Kenya, is part of Russia's efforts to retain allies in Africa amid Western isolation due to the Ukrainian invasion. African countries have largely refrained from condemning Russia in UN votes. Lavrov is set to attend a BRICS ministerial meeting in South Africa.

Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye is set to lead the Regional Oversight Mechanism for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with support from the African Union and UN. The East African Community Summit in Bujumbura called for a ceasefire and a new withdrawal plan for rebel groups. Ndayishimiye's role in regional politics is increasing, with Burundi recently having EU sanctions lifted and a UN mission closed. The summit was attended by leaders from Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC, marking the first visit of Rwanda's President Kagame to Burundi in nearly a decade. The peace process faces challenges with accusations of support for M23 violence and territorial violations between DRC and Rwanda. Defence chiefs will meet in Nairobi to discuss the withdrawal of rebel movements and the role of the East African Community Regional Force.

The East African Legislative Assembly has passed the East African Financial Services Commission Bill 2022, which aims to establish a commission to integrate financial systems and harmonize supervisory and regulatory practices in the non-bank financial sector within the East African Community. The bill is part of the East African Community's integration process, following the Customs Union and the Common Market Protocol. The Monetary Union, the third pillar, has had its deadline for implementation proposed to be extended to 2031.

Kenyan troops are set to be deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of a regional response to the conflict in eastern DRC, following a decision from the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State Conclave on Peace and Security. Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye, the chairman of the EAC heads of state summit, has initiated consultations for a meeting of the heads of defence forces to address the crisis. The conflict has escalated with fighting between DRC forces and M23 rebels, leading to mass displacement. Rwanda has been accused of supporting M23, which Rwanda denies. President Paul Kagame of Rwanda reaffirmed his commitment to peace in the region, despite the expulsion of Rwanda's ambassador from DRC. The EAC standby force's deployment, ordered by Kenya's former president Uhuru Kenyatta, has not been officially announced since June.

Rwandan artist Bruce Itahiwacu, known as Bruce Melodie, was arrested upon arrival in Bujumbura, Burundi, where he was scheduled to perform two shows. He is being investigated for fraud related to a 2018 incident where he allegedly breached a contract by not attending a gig despite having been paid. The promoter, Toussaint, is seeking reimbursement with interest. Bruce Melodie, who rose to fame in 2011 and is the CEO of Igitangaza Music Label, was still in custody at the time of reporting.

The East African Community tabled a $91.5 million budget for the financial year 2022-2023, marking a decline from previous years. The regional economy is expected to slow down due to rising commodity prices exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Concerns were raised by the East African Legislative Assembly members over the shrinking budget despite the community's growth and expansion, including the integration of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The budget allocation includes contributions from partner states and development partners, with significant portions going to various EAC institutions.

Domitien Ndayizeye, former president of Burundi, has been appointed to the African Union's 5th Panel of the Wise by the Heads of State and government of the AU member states. The Panel of the Wise supports the Peace and Security Commission's work in conflict prevention. Ndayizeye's presidency was a transitional period leading to the current CNDD-FDD regime. His appointment allows him to serve a three-year term starting from February 2022. The Panel, established in 2007, addresses issues such as non-impunity and electoral disputes.

The African Union (AU) is seeking the United Nations Security Council's approval to deploy 5,000 peacekeepers in Burundi due to ongoing human rights violations and political unrest. AU Chair Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma emphasized the need for international unity and action. The UNSC is concerned about the escalating violence and plans to send a team to Burundi to encourage dialogue and assess the situation. The Burundi parliament has rejected the peacekeeper deployment, citing sovereignty concerns. Despite a quieter situation, assassinations persist. The Burundi National Dialogue Commission has initiated talks, with the government expressing readiness for inclusive dialogue.

Opposition leaders in Burundi have criticized the African Union for its lack of transparency and failure to uphold democracy following a visit by a high-level delegation of five African heads of state. The delegation's visit aimed to address the ongoing violence that has plagued Burundi for over nine months. South Africa's President Jacob Zuma, who led the delegation, announced the commitment of the Burundian government to accept 200 AU observers and military monitors. He also mentioned that Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni would facilitate an inclusive dialogue for peace talks. Despite these developments, the Burundian government refuses to engage with leaders it accuses of involvement in last year's coup attempt and violent protests. The situation reflects the challenges faced by the AU in enforcing its charter, specifically Article 23, which deals with the illegitimate accession to power and sanctions for non-compliance.

Burundi has expressed concerns to the European Union regarding the continuation of economic sanctions, which it believes could exacerbate violence in the country. The sanctions were imposed due to human rights concerns, but Burundi argues that the EU has failed to acknowledge the progress made in restoring peace and combating violence from terrorist groups. Despite the Burundian government's efforts, including an intra-Burundian dialogue and human rights measures such as amnesty for prisoners, the EU maintains that support will only resume if the government fulfills certain political conditions. The EU has suspended direct financial support to the Burundian government but continues to provide humanitarian aid directly to the population.

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