The East African Community (EAC) is edging closer to forming a federal government, according to Dr. David Sankok, a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). Speaking today on NTV Uganda, Dr. Sankok expressed optimism about the progress made towards realizing the long-held vision of political integration among EAC member states.
Dr. Sankok, an outspoken advocate for deeper regional integration, emphasized that the formation of a federal government is key to enhancing unity, security, and economic development across East Africa. “The establishment of a federal government for the EAC is no longer just a dream but an inevitable step. We are committed to ensuring that this process becomes a reality in the near future,” he said during the interview.
The federal government model would centralize governance and decision-making at the regional level, a move seen as necessary for fostering stronger economic and political ties between EAC countries. The proposal has long been championed as a solution to improving trade, regional security, and mobility, which are crucial for the economic prosperity of member states like Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Dr. Sankok highlighted the progress made in harmonizing policies across sectors, noting that member states have already made strides in areas such as infrastructure, security cooperation, and trade regulations. The EAC has already established a Customs Union and a Common Market, and the political federation would mark the final phase of integration.
While the move towards a federal government has received support from various quarters, Dr. Sankok acknowledged that there are still hurdles to overcome, including aligning the political interests of individual member states and addressing concerns around national sovereignty.
“The transition requires careful planning and broad consensus. Each nation must feel that its interests are protected in the federal structure,” Dr. Sankok noted. However, he expressed confidence that with continued dialogue and cooperation, the EAC will succeed in achieving political federation.
This development marks a significant moment in East Africa’s history, as the idea of political integration has been on the agenda since the 1960s. If successful, the EAC would become one of the few regional blocs in Africa to form a fully-fledged federal government, following in the footsteps of other unions around the world.
Political analysts have noted that such a move could position East Africa as a formidable economic and political powerhouse on the continent, leveraging its combined resources, markets, and strategic positioning.
The journey towards a unified EAC government may still have a long way to go, but Dr. Sankok’s remarks indicate that the wheels of integration are firmly in motion. The coming months will likely see increased discussions and engagements between leaders across the region as they work towards this historic goal.
