Why East African activists should borrow a leaf from their EU counterparts’ book

TUESDAY December 10, 2024

By The Tranquility  News Reporter, Somalia

The Head of Economics and Governance for the European Union in Tanzania, Ms Karina Dzialowska, has highlighted valuable lessons the European Union’s Civil Society Organisations can offer their counterparts in the East African Community (EAC) about regional integration.

She emphasized that while each integration movement is unique, the experiences of EU CSOs, particularly regarding the movement of people, goods, and services, known as the ‘fourth freedom’, provide significant insights.

“These movements often lead to substantial disruptions in labour markets and the broader economy. Understanding how EU CSOs have addressed these challenges can equip EAC CSOs with strategies for managing similar issues effectively,” Ms Dzialowska noted during the EAC CSOs forum recently.

The Somalia’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry in charge of EAC Affairs, Mr Mohamed Fatiir, underscored the importance of regional CSOs in terms of building a prosperous and united EAC, saying CSOs represented and connected individuals who drive regional integration. 

“As a government, we commend and support CSOs to continue their excellent work for the greater good of our region.”

Mr Fatiir told the CSOs gathered in Mogadishu, Somalia, to discuss the EAC integration process recently.

The PS said for Somalia becoming part of the EAC meant linking the Indian Ocean coastline with other two member states of Kenya and Tanzania. 

Under Leveraging Integration Frameworks for Trade in Services and Civil Society Organizations in the EAC (LIFTED) initiative, CSOs from across the bloc’s partner states gathered for the first time to discuss regional integration issues. 

“We have been given this opportunity to be heard, and we should seize it to present our views, concerns, and issues that will help us to advance the regional integration agenda, said Ms Elizabeth Adak Maluak, the Executive Secretary, Office of the Under Secretary, MEACA, Republic of South Sudan.

A series of meetings were held between September and December 2024 to explore opportunities and address challenges involved in the EAC integration process.

In collaboration with academia and the private sector, over 230 CSO networks, representing thousands of members and the interests of millions throughout the EAC region, participated in national dialogues across all eight partner states.

The gatherings established platforms for discussing CSO operations within each state in coordination with relevant ministries.

Additionally, the meetings facilitated exchange of experiences among CSOs, resulting into the strengthening and formation of local chapters of the East African Civil Society Organisations’ Forum (EACSOF) in several countries, including the Democratic Republic of the xCongo.

The focus of the meetings was on fostering supportive national and regional policies and legislative frameworks for CSO engagement in the EAC integration.

Participants assessed the current level of CSO involvement in regional integration, identified challenges and opportunities, and developed strategies to enhance CSO participation.

This included a commitment to the existing EAC Consultative Dialogue Frameworks for CSOs and other non-state actors, recognised as a crucial tool for boosting CSO involvement in EAC regional integration matters.

The Principal Officer Gender and Community Development and Stakeholder Engagement at the EAC, Ms Generose Minani, said praised partner states’ CSOs for initiating their first regional meetings.

She noted that these efforts would help define citizens’ roles in the EAC integration and ensure the process remains truly people-centred.

Ms Minani urged CSOs to channel public concerns to the EAC Secretariat, highlighting various available avenues, including the Secretary General’s Forum – a dedicated people’s platform.

The Acting Assistant Minister of the MEACA, Youth, Sports, and Culture in Burundi, Dr Ndagije Hussein, expressed satisfaction with the CSOs’ increasing role in the EAC integration.

These movements often lead to substantial disruptions in labour markets and the broader economy. Understanding how EU CSOs have addressed these challenges can equip EAC CSOs with strategies for managing similar issues effectively,” Ms Karina Dzialowska, the Head of Economics and Governance for the European Union in Tanzania.

He affirmed Burundi’s support, emphasizing that this involvement would help the EAC continue focusing on public priorities and avoid past failures.

A Senior Officer in the EAC department of MEACA Rwanda, Mr Oswald Nyakana, also reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to collaborating with CSOs on regional economic integration matters.

He encouraged CSOs to share challenges and opportunities in a bid to foster synergies.

He assured them that Rwanda’s doors were always open for collaboration with CSOs, even outside of the annual Secretary General’s Forum, encouraging EACSOF to organise informal meetings to promptly address pressing issues.

Cirhuza Lufungulo, EACSOF’s newly appointed chapter chairman for the DRC, expressed gratitude for the engagement, marking a first for Kinshasa.

He stated that the dialogue is instrumental in deepening their understanding of and participation in the EAC regional economic integration.

The platform facilitates discussion among members, government, and the broader EAC on regional integration topics.

The Chairman of Uganda National NGOs Forum, Dr Moses Isooba, said: “We want our grassroots work to have regional connections and impacts. Regional integration is a shared dream, and we believe we have an important role to play”.

The Executive Director of TANGO from Tanzania, Mr Adams Nsimba, emphasized their commitment to ensuring Tanzanian civil voices are heard and incorporated, setting a precedent for other regional civil societies.

As the country chapter leaders, they believe legitimacy is built on transparency, consultation, and respect for public opinion.

The Director of Research and a Don at the Institute for Development Studies in Kenya, Prof Paul Kamau, highlighted the need for the EAC to rethink its approach to the citizen engagement in the integration efforts.

An Afrobarometer report indicates that only 34 per cent of East Africans are aware of the EAC, leading to a situation described as ‘integrating without citizens’. Prof Kamau stressed the urgency of involving citizens in EAC discussions and activities, particularly through the promotion of CSOs.

The Chief Executive Officer with the East African Civil Society Organisations’ Forum (EACSOF), Ms Lilian Allex, commended GIZ for supporting the CSOs meetings.

The Component Lead for Organisation Development and Outreach at GIZ, Mr Marius Weist, noted that over the past 25 years, GIZ had supported EAC integration in various aspects.

This includes involvement with CSOs, with particular emphasis on bolstering legislative and policy frameworks to expand the role of CSOs and enhance the participation of women and youth in the region’s decision-making processes.

“Through the LIFTED Project, GIZ has provided resources for CSO-led innovations, and a call for applications is currently open,” he saidΩ