14.2 East African integration and challenges

East African integration aims to strengthen economic, political, and social ties among seven countries in the Great Lakes region. The East African Community (EAC) has made progress through a Customs Union and Common Market, with plans for further integration.

However, challenges persist. Economic disparities, political instability, and security threats hinder progress. Cross-border conflicts, refugee crises, and terrorism complicate cooperation. Managing shared resources like Lake Victoria also proves difficult, highlighting the complexities of regional integration.

Regional Integration and Challenges

East African Community (EAC) and Regional Integration

• East African Community (EAC) is an intergovernmental organization composed of 7 countries in the African Great Lakes region (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda)
• Aims to strengthen economic, political, social and cultural integration in the region
• Established a Customs Union in 2005 to promote free trade and economic cooperation among member states
• Launched a Common Market in 2010 to allow free movement of labor, capital, goods and services within the EAC
• Plans to establish a Monetary Union and eventually a Political Federation to further integrate the region

Economic Disparities and Political Stability Challenges

• Significant economic disparities exist among EAC member states, with some countries having much higher GDP per capita (Kenya) compared to others (Burundi)
• These economic inequalities make it challenging to harmonize policies and create a level playing field for trade and investment
• Political instability in some member states (Burundi, South Sudan) has hindered the progress of regional integration
• Differences in political systems and governance structures among member states complicate decision-making and implementation of EAC policies
• Lack of political will and commitment from some member states has slowed down the integration process

Security and Conflict

Cross-Border Conflicts and Refugee Crises

• East Africa has experienced numerous cross-border conflicts, such as the border dispute between Kenya and Somalia over maritime boundaries
• The region has also witnessed internal conflicts that spill over into neighboring countries, such as the civil war in South Sudan which has led to a refugee crisis in Uganda and other EAC states
• The influx of refugees puts pressure on the limited resources and infrastructure of host countries, creating tensions with local populations
• Managing refugee crises requires coordination and burden-sharing among EAC member states, as well as support from the international community

Terrorism and Security Threats

• East Africa has been a target of terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab, which has carried out attacks in Kenya, Uganda, and Somalia
• The porous borders and weak security apparatus in some EAC countries have allowed terrorists to move freely and operate with impunity
• Combating terrorism requires enhanced intelligence sharing, joint military operations, and strengthening of border controls among EAC member states
• The EAC has established the East African Standby Force (EASF) to respond to security threats and maintain peace in the region
• However, the effectiveness of the EASF is hampered by inadequate funding, logistical challenges, and lack of political consensus among member states

Resource Management

Sustainable Management of Shared Natural Resources

• The EAC region is endowed with shared natural resources such as Lake Victoria, the Nile River Basin, and wildlife habitats that transcend national borders
• Sustainable management of these resources requires cooperation and coordination among member states to ensure equitable access and utilization
• The EAC has established the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) to promote sustainable development and management of the lake's resources
• However, challenges such as overfishing, pollution, and competing water uses among riparian states have hindered effective management of the lake
• The discovery of oil and gas reserves in some EAC countries (Uganda, Kenya) has raised concerns about the environmental impact of exploration and production activities
• The EAC needs to develop a regional framework for sustainable management of extractive resources to ensure that the benefits are shared equitably and the environment is protected