EAC launches Rwanda consultations on proposed political confederation

Dr. Usta Kaitesi,Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Monday that stronger regional cooperation is key to addressing shared challenges and achieving sustainable development.

Kaitesi made the remarks while opening Rwanda’s national stakeholder consultations on the drafting of a constitution for the proposed East African Political Confederation.

“Many opportunities and challenges in the region require the efforts of all countries. Cooperation is a stronger foundation for development than each country working on its own,” she said.

The consultations, which will also take place in Rubavu, Huye and Nyagatare before ending on June 27, aim to collect views from citizens and stakeholders that will inform the proposed constitution.

EAC Secretary General Stephen Mbundi said citizen participation is critical in shaping the bloc’s future, noting that the EAC Treaty defines the community as people-centered.

“The future of our region cannot be shaped by governments alone. It must be informed by the views, aspirations and expectations of citizens,” Mbundi said.

The Political Confederation is expected to serve as a transitional stage toward the EAC’s long-term goal of a Political Federation. It would provide a framework for closer cooperation on governance, peace and security, foreign policy and other strategic areas while allowing member states to maintain sovereignty.

The initiative builds on previous EAC integration milestones, including the Customs Union, Common Market and ongoing efforts toward a Monetary Union.

Kaitesi encouraged young people, women, businesses, civil society, academics and other groups to take part in the consultations, saying their input would help shape institutions that reflect the interests of East Africans.

The EAC has already conducted similar consultations in Burundi, Uganda and Kenya.