The East African Community (EAC) Heads of State have recently made a significant decision to expedite the establishment of the Political Federation, marking the fourth and final stage in the EAC integration process. This decision was made during a Summit held at the Arusha International Conference Grounds in Tanzania, where leaders reflected on the vision set forth by the EAC’s Founding Fathers in 1963.
The Founding Fathers, including President Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya, Dr. Apollo Milton Obote of Uganda, and Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere of Tanganyika (now Tanzania), had originally agreed on the formation of a Federation to unite the region. However, due to bureaucratic delays, this vision was never fully realized. President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda emphasized the historical interconnectedness of the East African region, highlighting the potential for a Connected Trade Area that was disrupted by colonial powers in the late 19th century.
President Museveni also expressed the missed opportunities that could have been averted with the establishment of the East African Federation, such as the rise of Idi Amin in Uganda and the conflicts in Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia, and South Sudan. He reiterated Uganda’s commitment to promoting free trade within the region and fostering economic cooperation.
President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya echoed the sentiments of regional unity and economic progress, noting that the EAC has the highest intra-regional trade volume in Africa. He emphasized the importance of peace and security in attracting foreign investment and highlighted Kenya’s efforts in mediating conflicts in South Sudan and Somalia.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania underscored her country’s commitment to environmental conservation and combating climate change through initiatives such as clean energy transitions and aggressive afforestation programs. She emphasized Tanzania’s investment in renewable energy sources and youth employment in key sectors like fishing, forestry, and agriculture.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed his country’s eagerness to join the EAC as a means of fostering economic growth and investment opportunities. He highlighted Somalia’s potential in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and fisheries.
Overall, the Summit attendees agreed on the need to accelerate the integration process and fully operationalize the Customs Union and Common Market protocols to boost intra-regional trade. The event was attended by various regional leaders, including Burundian Vice President Prosper Bazombanza and EAC Secretary General Hon. Veronica Nduva, showcasing the collective commitment to regional cooperation and development.
