East African presidents on Wednesday made key appointments in the East African Court of Justice (EACJ).
The decisions were arrived at during the East Africa Community (EAC) Heads of State meeting in Bujumbura, Burundi.
The leaders met to make major decisions on the current security situation in Eastern DRC and other EA issues.
The heads of State appointed Annette Ssemuwemba as the deputy secretary general for customs, trade and monetary affairs.
They also appointed Andrea Malueth as the deputy secretary general of infrastructure, productive, social and political sectors.
The DSGs will assume their roles effective May 31, 2023.
The Presidents appointed Justice Anita Mugeni from Rwanda as the Vice President of EACJ effective June 20, 2023.
Justice Omar Makungu from Tanzania was appointed as a judge of the EACJ in the appellate division effective June 20, 2023.
EAC heads of state-appointed Justice Kayembe Rene from Congo as a judge of EACJ in first instance division with effect from May 31, 2023.
During the summit, the heads of state received and adopted reports on the peace and security situation in Eastern DRC.
They agreed that the East African regional force (EACRF) deployed to the Eastern DRC will stay for another six months in the country following extension of its tenure.
Speaking at the meeting, President William Ruto said the entry of the troops yielded "very" positive results.
"It was a good point to take, and now the difficult problem that has been facing the Congo for 20 years, we can confidently say that it is on the way to find a solution," said Ruto.
The leaders also agreed on a schedule of how the fighters of groups like M23 and many others in the region are going to be gathered together before they are returned to normal life.