PROTOCAL
Mp Karatu
Education officers
Head Teachers
Ladies and gentlemen
INTRODUCTION
It’s a very great pleasure being here with you this morning. As educators I recognize your work to the community most especially to the region. I also acknowledge your efforts in terms of making the society aware about East African community. Let me take this pleasure to give some a short background about East African Community.
East African Community is among of the the three integration in East Africa. It was established in 1967 when Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania had spirit of sharing resources economically, socially and also politically.
Initially, there was integration between Kenya and Uganda. The two countries integrated in the years 1900. The union expanded when the two countries opened custom union and decided to include Tanganyika in 1922.
Apart from custom union East African High commission was also established in 1948 and lasted in 1961.the community seemed to be stronger than any other integration it only survived for ten years that is from 1967 to 1977.
WHY THE FIRST EAC COLLAPSED.
Ladies and gentlemen, there are numerous reasons as to why EAC survived for a short period while some of the objectives were yet fulfilled. Some of the leaders had selfish ambition which developed among themselves and later on destroyed the pillars of the integration. This was due to several differences in terms of monetary policies, economic level and system, and also languages. Where by Tanganyika was a socialist nation, Kenya was a capitalist and Uganda was a capitalist and communalist nation.
There was inequality in making decisions; the strong states with stronger economic felt that they were super powers. They praised their own developmental plans and ignored their fellow member’s decisions. So members whose decisions used to be ignored had no choice apart from despise themselves and later on led to the collapse of the union.
The problem of economic differences had nothing apart from crippling the muscles of the intergaration.it is true that Kenya had a stable economy compared to Tanganyika and Uganda. So Kenya was a super power nation whose development strategies had nothing to do with the less developed nations. She had more investments in terms of industrialization and trade. Therefore it was very difficult for the three nations to be put in the same line economically because if Kenya would have agreed then the country had to wait for others to boast their economy a procedure which would make her to go backward direction.
Others fail to pay a membership fee due to their weaker economy. Any policy can only become true after being implemented. And to implement a policy there must be financial support. Therefore the integration had no enough fund to support itself in operating their workshops, meetings and other integration activities.
There was lack of future strategic plans for the betterment of the region. The only step which had taken by the three presidents was to create harmony among the partner states. But on the side of development there were no strategies implemented. Therefore to develop the integration it would be possible if the partner states had set their future development strategies.
REVIVAL OF THE EAC
Harare meeting of 1991 which called upon together the member states is an effort made by the region members to revive the integration. The procedures went up to 1996 when the member states decided to enter into a serious partnership. They signed a treaty and revived one of the integration which is now known as East African Community. It started operating on 14th March 1996 when Francis Mathura of Kenya was appointed to serve for 5 years as a secretary general.
MEASURES TAKEN TO AVART EAC COLLAPSING AGAIN.
Measures which were taken in order to prevent EAC collapsing again are; the use of one language by the member states. Swahili was agreed upon to be a lingua franca so as to uproot all elements of language barriers which were the stumbling block and the reasons as to why the 1967 East African Community collapsed. The process has positive effects for the betterment of the union as it bring the member states together as the have the same language which is Swahili.
A free movement of goods and people is one of the policies which were put in order to protect EAC from collapsing again. By allowing the free trade member states ecomy will be as equal as possible. There will be also an opportunity for the traders to share the resources because trade restrictions are no longer there. Therefore by doing so the conducive environment for the fruitful business will be created.
Having the same common monetary currency is another measure taken to save EAC from collapsing again. The same currency will equalize and solve all different sorts of inequalities. The region shall have the same rates and therefore being able to exchange goods and services without loss but with profit. By having the same currency therefore will help the region to maintain peace, harmony and peace as far as unity is concerned.
Establishment of the headquarters offices in Arusha Tanzania. It is true that one of the factors which led to the collapse of 1967 EAC was also lack of headquarters. During that time members would only decide where to meet for their functions such as workshops and meetings. They were lacked with a general system to master the daily basis activities ran by the organization.
Formation of the legislative assembly which helped to strengthen the unity as far as the member states have an instrument to discuss issues concerning to the development of the community. This instrument helps to strengthen the integration because it brings together five countries representatives where they propose variety laws and discuss the authentic ways to implement them.
Use of education departments for sensitizing people especially the partner states which are Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is also one of the measures taken to make sure that EAC doesn’t fall again. The department work as an instrument of imparting knowledge about East African Community to the society. Because there is a number of people in rural area who are not aware of EAC. Therefore they key solution toward this formation of this department is to sensitize people through the NGOs which work together with the community.
Extension of the integration where by the member states were increased to make five is also another degree of measurement that the union doesn’t collapse. Nowadays EAC include the five nations which are Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Initially the members were only three which are Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Therefore the increased numbers of members strengthen the union.
CRITICAL FACTORS IN EA REGIONAL INTEGRATION.
East Africans do no differ in terms of language and culture so all member states practice cultural and traditional functions. Because Swahili language is spoken almost by all five member states the history of cooperation is still fresh in the minds of the society. Also our region has plenty natural resources, we have minerals, water, good and enough land for agriculture and also wild animals for tourism. Up to now we have good linkage because of the available network systems that are already exist. We compete globally in terms of market for our products; take for example tanzanite which is only found in East Africa. Economically the region develops faster as well as availability of resources is concerned.
REASONS FOR INTEGRATION.
Cooperation is considered to be a big reason on why these states integrated. Because we share resources economically .we also have the same political federations, social welfares such as health, education science and technology defense, security, legal and judicial affairs.
Other objectives on why we integrate are; to develop partner states, to support partner states associations and also traditional ties, to enhance and strengthen private sectors, to solve the issue of gender imbalance by enhance the role of women in development. Promotion of good governance as far as transparency, accountability, social justice, rule of law, equal opportunities and gender equality. Also another reason is to promote peace, security and stability among the region.
EAC TODAY INCLUDING THE VISION AND VISION.
East African Community today has five nations which are Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi. Rwanda and Burundi were admitted to the EAC with the effect from 1st July 2007.It has about 1.82 million square kilometers. The region has a population of approximately 133.5 million (as of June 2010).
EAC mission is to widen and deepen Economic, political, social and cultural integration in order to improve the quality of life of the people of East Africa through increased competitiveness, value added production, trade and investment.
Our vision, a prosperous, competitive, secure, stable and politically united East Africa.
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF EAC.
According to the article 6 of the treaty our principles are stand to include the following; we ensure equality among the people and mutual trust. We create peaceful settlements of disputes. Good neighborliness and peaceful co-existence is also our principle. About the rule of law we enforce rules and principles which protect rights of people. We also promote cooperation for mutual benefit and good governance and the budget.
OPERATIONAL PRINCIPLES OF EAC.
EAC operate under the guidance of its principles which are in article 7 of the treaty which is contained with the following information; people centered and market driven cooperation, provision of adequate an appropriate enabling environment, establishment of an export oriented economy, the principle of subsidiary with emphasis on multilevel participation, equitable, balanced development of partner states and the principle of complementarily.
MAIN ORGANS AND OTHER EAC INSTITUTIONS.
The summit, which consists of the head of state or Government of the member states in order to give the general directions of the objectives of the community. The summit meet at least once in a year to consider the annual progress reports and such other reports submitted to it by the council. It may also hold extra-ordinary meetings as necessary.
The council of ministers which is made up by the ministers responsible for regional co- operation of each state. Its functions are to keep under constraint review the implementation of the programmes of the community. To ensure proper functioning of the regional organization. It meets twice in each year.
Co ordination committee which consists of the secretarieties responsible for regional cooperation in each partner state and other permanent secretaries of the partner state. Its major role is to report the council of Ministers and coordinates the activities of the sect oral committees.
Sect oral committees which established by the council on the basis of the recommendations of the coordination committee. Its function is to prepare comprehensive implementation programs, setting out priorities with respect to the various as well as monitor their implementation.
EAC court of justice, since it was initiated the court of justice has a work of interpretation and application of the treaty on common market matters. Also human rights and jurisdiction are determined by the council of ministers in a protocol to be concluded at a later suitable date.
A secretariat which is headed by the secretary General who is assisted by his deputy. The secretariat includes the offices of council to the community and other officers appointed by the council.
EAC ACHIEVEMENTS.
If not the hard working and assurance that the policies are well implemented EAC wouldn’t be where it is. Though there are numerous of achievements which stand to include social, political and also economic.
Under Mathias Muthaura the first Secretary General of EAC, development strategy was formulated. Its implementation led to the signing of the treaty for the EAC on November 1999.the 2nd development strategy (2001-2006) was also formulated.
Establishment of custsoms union in 2005 was a result of the 2nd development strategy under Hon Amanya Mushenga the 2nd Secretary General of the East African Community. The 3rd development strategy which was implemented in 2006 when Amb. Mwapachu was elected and was meant to consolidate, customs union, common market, infrastructure development, industrialization, boasting agricultural and rural development programmes. Free movement of capital, convertibility of the three local currencies, reduction on national trade barriers lay under the same treaty.
In terms of social and political achievements; combating insecurity on Lake Victoria, implementation of students exchange programs and lectures at university level, issuance of temporary travel documents to East African citizens, ratification of protocols, signing of the treaty for the East African community in 1999 amongst others.
The integration has managed to create the headquarters in Arusha region Tanzania. Since its start the union had no enough structures where its daily basis could be operated easier. Through various support from the Germany government. The integration was able to start the construction of its Headquarters. The building will be able to accommodate departments and other services which are provided by the EAC and to facilitate the working process.
EAC POLITICAL FEDERATION.
With the ultimate goal of a political federation, the EAC is developing requisite regional policies programs and strategies that lay a firm foundation and consolidate the pillars of political integration. This is premised on the understanding that attainment of a political federation is a process and not an event. Based on the summit directive to mobilize and deepen sensitization on EAC integration, National consultations and studies on the EAC political Federation do not only indicate overwhelming support for the political federation but identifies fears, concerns and challenges that need to be addressed. Efforts were made to consider these challenges through the establishment of the team of experts on political federation. The summit upon consideration of the report of the teams of experts further directed for review of the report and presentation of clear recommendations on the way forward on political federation by November 2011.
As the EAC embarks on holistic strategies to promote peace, stability and development in the region, promotion of good governance as a pillar of political integration is obligatory. In this regard, negotiations of the EAC protocol on good governance is near completion, and hitherto, involved consultations with a wide range of stakeholders both at national and regional levels, to ensure ownership. The protocol once adopted will evolve a dispensation that cements the recognition of good governance as a prerequiresite for successful regional integration, peace and stability. In the same vein, the EAC jointly with COMESA and IGAD have embarked on implementing a joint program on promotion of good governance and human security in the Eastern and Southern Africa region-noting that political integration is an integral part of regional integration. The joint program seeks to contribute to increased levels of good governance and human security in the region.
Electoral processes are a fundamental aspect of political integration and good governance, peaceful democratization processes stimulate a conducive environment for the deepening of the EAC integration. Thus cooperation among national electoral commissions is being strengthened through development of the EAC principles on election observation, Monitoring and Evaluation is near completion. Once adopted, it will institutionalize a structured way of observing elections in the region, in a manner that adds value and builds on democratic development.
EAC continues to engage and consult with all institutions and agencies that constitute pillars of the EAC good Governance program. The national agencies responsible for preventing and combating corruption have a regional platform to articulate common challenges in fight against corruption through common strategies for the region. In this regard the EAC protocol on preventing and combating corruption is in its final stages of completion and once adopted will set in motion regional mechanisms for sharing information, recovery of proceeds and assets from corruption and judicial and legal assistance.
Other institutions that EAC has sustained engagement include the Forum of Human Rights Commissions, the Forum of EAC chief Justices and Rule of Law and Access to Justice Sector. The EAC Annual conference on good Governance has become a significant annual event that facilitates dialogue and debate on core issues of political Governance in the region. Its main objective is to enhance cross sect oral political dialogue among institutions responsible for promoting good governance as well as create synergy between national, regional and international organizations.
CHALLENGES
Still we have a group of people who do not know anything about this Organization, it is a challenge to us and it’s our duty to sensitize them so that they understand our existence and also activities performed by the organization.
The problem of corruption which is common in East Africa is also a hindrance to our progress in the region.
We are lacked with the better transport infrastructure systems, land, water and air to some of the member states. Thus problems in exportation and importation of goods and services.
We are also challenged by the problems to do with society such as sexual abuse for women and children, gender imbalance, crime, urbanization, domestic violence, un employment, diseases, poverty amongst others.
CONCLUSION.
Distinguished Delegates,
Like I said in the beginning that teachers are the most important persons in the world. There is no any intelligent or educated person who never passed through the directions of the teachers. EAC is always concerned when it comes to education and Educators. Through our Education Department, we have managed to establish the Interuniversity council which links the gape between secondary schools and University. We have conducted regional inter-school debate competitions. Also we have established the Swahili council which is meant to master the growth and the regional development of Swahili Language as the Lingua Franca. What we have achieved is not enough, there are numerous of plans which are still pending in that they are not implemented yet. Let’s create the future with peace, solidarity, love, co-operation and unity as well. We need to teach our children on the importance of the integration at schools and even home so as to ease the future EAC Development strategies.
Refferences.
EAC, EAC UPDATE Progress, Achievements, and Benefits of the East African Community,2011
A.Magaga and M. Margrit, EAST AFRICAN INTEGRATION The rise and Rise of the East African Community
EAC,The Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community
EAC, EAC INTEGRATION INFORMATION GUIDE
No comments:
Post a Comment