East African Community Celebrates 25th Anniversary In Arusha

Описание: The East African Community (EAC) on 29th November 2024 marked a significant milestone as it celebrated 25 years of regional integration and cooperation during the 24th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government in Arusha, Tanzania.

Held under the theme, “Promoting Trade, Sustainable Development, Peace and Security for Improved Livelihoods”, the high-profile event brought together leaders from across the region to reflect on the EAC’s achievements and strategize for the future.

The summit which began on November 29th, will conclude tomorrow, November 30th, 2024, at Arusha International Conference Center.
The Heads of State discussed pressing issues shaping the region, focusing on strengthening economic resilience, enhancing peace and security and fostering initiatives to promote intra-regional trade and sustainable development.

In their remarks, the leaders highlighted the remarkable progress the EAC has made since its re-establishment in 1999.

Originally a three-member bloc, the community has grown to include eight member states; Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Somalia representing a combined population of over 300 million people.

During the high level side meeting, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called for EAC to build on its 25-year journey of integration by embracing a broader historical perspective and advancing the cause of regional unity.
The President highlighted the region’s deep historical roots in trade and cooperation, spanning over 1,000 years.

“While we are here to celebrate 25 years of the revised EAC, I propose that we also acknowledge more than 1,000 years of trade connectivity in this region,” said President Museveni.

He pointed to evidence of ancient trade, such as the glass beads, pottery, and cattle bones unearthed in Uganda’s Bigo bya Mugenyi, which date back to between 900 AD and 1350 AD.

These items, he explained, were not locally produced but came from as far as Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) through established trade routes.
This historical connectivity, President Museveni emphasized, created a “Connected Trade Area” (CTA) linking the East African coast, the Savanna lands of central Tanzania and the Great Lakes region.

“This trade area was thriving long before the Europeans arrived in 1498,” he said, but disclosed that colonialism disrupted the region’s unity and economic networks.

Reflecting on the challenges of leadership during the pre-colonial era, President Museveni noted, “Some of our chiefs let us down by failing to organize against external threats. When Vasco da Gama arrived on the East African coast in 1498, it marked the beginning of our disconnection, which was exacerbated by colonial powers.”

President Museveni also lauded the vision of East African leaders such as Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, and Dr. Milton Obote, who, on June 3, 1963, laid the foundation for the East African Community.
“Their bold decision to establish the EAC was a significant step, even though the political federation they envisioned was not fully realized,” he said.

He praised Tanzania for leading by example when Tanganyika and Zanzibar united to form the United Republic of Tanzania, calling it a testament to the possibility of deeper regional integration.

“If that spirit had been embraced by all, we could have avoided many of the challenges that plagued our region, such as the Idi Amin era and conflicts in Rwanda and Burundi,” President Museveni observed.
He further stressed that integration is essential for both economic prosperity and strategic security.

“Pan-Africanism is not just an emotional aspiration. It is a practical necessity for creating a large, integrated market that supports wealth creators and ensures the prosperity of our people,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of supporting local industries, removing trade barriers, and enabling seamless movement of goods and people across the region.

“Africa’s internal market is not enough to absorb our surplus production, whether it is milk, maize, or other goods. We need to think beyond our borders,” President Museveni said, adding that the EAC now has the opportunity to consolidate its gains and move forward as a united economic bloc.

He also highlighted the need for strategic security to protect the region’s interests.

“While others are exploring the moon, we remain fragmented. Even if Uganda became a first-class country, it would still lack the size needed to compete globally. Integration gives us the size and strength to achieve strategic goals,” he remarked.

President Museveni concluded by urging the region’s leaders to learn from history and seize the opportunity to build a stronger and more united East Africa.