EAC on the Right Track, Says Summit Chairman President Kiir
East African Community (EAC) Making Strides in Regional Integration
East Africa Community (EAC) Chairperson and President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, has affirmed that the bloc is progressing well, with intra-regional trade currently standing at 15 percent. Speaking during the 23rd Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Heads of State, held virtually, President Kiir expressed optimism about further growth, particularly following the recent admission of the Federal Republic of Somalia into the Community.
Advancing Economic and Monetary Integration
President Kiir emphasized the importance of accelerating the establishment of the East African Monetary Institute, a critical step toward creating a single currency for the region. He highlighted that this initiative is crucial for economic stability and deeper integration among member states.
Political Federation and Security
The Summit Chairperson revealed that South Sudan will be conducting consultations on the EAC Political Confederation Constitution in July 2022. He urged other member states to expedite similar consultations to advance the political federation process. Kiir also noted that peace and security are essential for economic growth and sustainable development in East Africa, emphasizing the collective responsibility of partner states to resolve disputes and conflicts justly and equitably.
Regional Leaders’ Perspectives
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni underscored the need to eliminate Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), which hinder the region’s trade potential. He commended South Sudan for its forthcoming consultations on the Political Confederation Constitution and encouraged other nations to follow suit to enhance the integration process.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu called on the incoming Secretary-General to improve the EAC’s visibility and address the lack of a shared perception of integration benefits among East Africans. She pointed out the challenges posed by climate change and advocated for adaptation and mitigation strategies to lessen its impact on EAC economies. President Suluhu also highlighted the importance of prioritizing access to cleaner and affordable energy, which would facilitate a transition to modern cooking solutions, yielding benefits like emission reductions, forest preservation, better health, increased productivity, and gender equality.
Engaging the Youth and Enhancing Integration
President Suluhu noted that youth constitute over 70 percent of the EAC population, approximately 302 million people. She stressed the importance of involving young people in the integration process to leverage the opportunities it presents.
Support and Participation from Member States
Rwandan President Paul Kagame praised the Summit’s directive for a retreat of the EAC Ministers of Foreign and Regional Affairs to discuss the Consultative Meetings Report by the Summit Chairperson on Partner States’ Relations.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced that Somalia would soon send Members of Parliament and Judges to the East African Legislative Assembly and the East African Court of Justice. He added that Somalia is preparing for integration into the Customs Union and the Common Market, the first two pillars of the integration process.
Notable Attendees
The meeting also included Burundi’s Vice President Prosper Bazombanza, representing President Evariste Ndayishimiye, and Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, representing President William S. Ruto. Additionally, South Sudan’s Minister of EAC Affairs and Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, Deng Alor Kuo, East African Court of Justice (EACJ) Judge President Justice Nestor Kayobera, and Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), Joseph Ntakirutimana, were present.
EAC Deputy Secretary Generals’ Involvement
The EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Customs, Trade, and Monetary Affairs, Annette Ssemuwemba, and Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social, and Political Sectors, also participated in the meeting.
President Kiir’s call for the fast-tracking of the East African Monetary Institute signifies a strong commitment to enhancing economic integration and establishing a robust monetary framework within the EAC. The collective efforts and strategic initiatives discussed during the summit underscore the region’s dedication to fostering unity, economic growth, and sustainable development.
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