EAC High-Level Forum on Food Security and Climate Change in Arusha, Tanzania. (Alhadi Hawari)

Food security, climate change, and financial sustainability topped the agenda of the East African High-Level Forum on Thursday as the region continues to endure catastrophic floods and droughts.

This is ahead of President Salva Kiir’s takeover of the EAC chairmanship from Burundian counterpart, Evariste Ndayishimiye, whose one-year tenure came to an end mid this year.

EAC Secretary-General Peter Mathuki said the Heads of State summit will take place at a hotel situated between Kilimanjaro International Airport and the Tanzanian capital, Arusha.

“There are several agendas, heads of state will be discussing, one of them is, of course, food security and climate change, but also they will be discussing the future of this community, the community is growing, now we are seven and expending,” Mathuki told Eye Radio.

Years of inadequate rainfalls and disastrous floods in the Horn of Africa, have shriveled crops, killed livestock and forced millions out of their homes, seeking relief, according to reports.

Currently, the presence of El Niño rains in most parts of the region including Somalia, Kenya, Burundi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda has further led to loss of lives and livelihoods and human displacement.

The UN humanitarian agency said in November 2023 more than 3 million people were affected by the heavy rains and flooding between September and mid-November 2023, with at least 772,000 people displaced in Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, Burundi, and Ethiopia.

Mathuki further said the Heads of State will discuss peace and security in East Africa, which he said is key to the growth of the expanding region.

“They also will be discussing peace and stability in our region, because you cannot grow as community if you’re not stable.”

“Therefore, we are continuing supporting stability of our region and particularly eastern DRC. We will also be talking about financial sustainability.”

President Salva Kiir is expected to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania on Thursday ahead of the summit.

Some experts believe his chairmanship will improve regional security and enhance cross-border trade, among others.