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Rwanda, Burundi Join East African Union
By Global News Digest
New Vision -- Kampala, Uganda
June 28, 2007
A summit of the East African regional heads of state held in Kampala, Uganda on June 17, 2007 saw the admittance of Rwanda and Burundi into the East African Union.
Discussions and negotiations for admitting Burundi and Rwanda into the economic union comprising Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda had been on-going since 1999.
The EAU structure includes an administrative unit, the Secretariat, a law-making arm, the East African Legislative Assembly, a judicial arm, the Court of Justice, as well as the Summit of Heads of State and the Council of Ministers.
The two new members are expected to sign onto a number of protocols intended to unify services within the union. These include a Defence Pact for sharing intelligence and participating in joint military training and operations, a customs union to allow free circulation of goods and free movement of people within the region, a common effort to combat drug trafficking and money laundering in the region, the establishment of an Inter-University Council for East Africa. The Union will manage sustainable development of the Lake Victoria basin. The EAU also intends to issue a common passport for citizens of the five countries within the Union.
In foreign affairs, the five member states expected to support each other in international fora and provide
consular services and other representations for member states in countries where they do not have a diplomatic mission. The political federation of the five East African states with a federal president and parliament is expected to be in place by 2013.
While many welcome the idea as capable of promoting stability in the region, a political union of the five member states is, however, fraught with many problems. Some member states are hesitant to endorse a complete political union for fear of losing their national sovereignty. Tanzania, in particular, worries about the possibility of becoming infected by the sort of ethnic problems which characterize politics in the other countries. Until these issues are ironed out, a full political federation may not take place.
While the political issues are being ironed out, members can expect to begin enjoying economic benefits of union right away. The admission of Burundi and Rwanda raises the regional population to 115 million people. The enlarged community provides a strong base for increased prosperity and development in the region. It will also increase cross-border trade, investment and tourism, as well as enhance the region's bargaining position internationally.
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