Mr Nkurunziza became chairman of the five-country East African Community (EAC) in December, during the Community's 12th heads of state summit, taking over from the Tanzanian president, Jakaya Kikwete. The rotating chairmanship of the EAC lasts for a one-year term. Burundi is the poorest, least economically integrated and most politically turbulent member of the EAC and little leadership is expected during Mr Nkurunziza's tenure at the top. The hope of regional diplomats, however, is that Mr Nkurunziza's appointment will encourage more measured domestic political decision making from his government, and greater efforts at economic reform.