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The three giants of EAC Commit to Integration in Zanzibar Summit

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louis Buyisiwe

Mar 19, 2024

In the past year, Kenyan President William Ruto has seemed to be a part of those ups and downs in the bloc, or their direct cause, which is why his Thursday trip to Zanzibar, where he met with the host Samia Suluhu Hassan and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, was significant.
The three leaders met in an unannounced meeting and the agenda largely vague.

n the past year, Kenyan President William Ruto has seemed to be a part of those ups and downs in the bloc, or their direct cause, which is why his Thursday trip to Zanzibar, where he met with the host Samia Suluhu Hassan and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni, was significant.  The three leaders met in an unannounced meeting and the agenda largely vague.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni (left) presents a framed image of a newspaper report on the re-formation of the East African Community

In a pivotal meeting held in Zanzibar on March 18, 2024, the presidents of Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya demonstrated a unified commitment to enhancing East African Community (EAC) integration. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan hosted Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Kenyan President William Ruto, marking a significant step towards regional unity and cooperation.


Reviving the Spirit of EAC

The leaders' discussions in Zanzibar echoed the historical milestones of the EAC, originally founded by the three nations post-independence, and its resurgence in 1996 after a temporary dissolution in 1977. With the EAC currently comprising eight member states, the summit underscored the importance of bolstering the bloc's integration, particularly through public engagement on the EAC Political Confederation model.


Fostering Rapprochement and Collaboration

President Ruto's engagement in the summit, his second with Museveni this year, signified a move towards reconciliation amid past trade disputes, emphasizing the collective vision of market expansion, economic interdependence, and regional stability. The leaders' discussions also touched upon supporting Raila Odinga's bid for the African Union Chairperson role, highlighting the need for a unified regional stance.


Addressing Challenges and Looking Ahead

While the Zanzibar declaration did not outline specific agreements, it addressed the longstanding oil importation disputes and the potential for collaborative solutions, including market access and infrastructure sharing among Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The summit's outcomes aim to reinvigorate the EAC's integration agenda, ensuring that the benefits of a unified market extend to the region's populace and contribute to peace and security, crucial for the bloc's success.

The meeting in Zanzibar represents a pivotal moment for the EAC, as the leaders' renewed commitment to integration and cooperation sets a positive trajectory for the region's future.

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