The East African Community (EAC) Ministerial Retreat on Peace and Security, Partner States Relations, and the Integration Process, organized by the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with the United Republic of Tanzania, commenced on Saturday in Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania.
The primary goal of the EAC Ministerial Retreat, which convenes Ministers of Foreign and EAC Affairs from Partner States, is to address critical issues affecting the EAC region.
The retreat also offers a unique opportunity for Ministers to engage in thoughtful discussions, share insights, and collectively strategize on ways to foster sustainable peace, enhance security cooperation, strengthen relationships among Partner States, and advance the integration agenda.
Held from 6th to 8th July 2024, the three-day retreat aims to enhance cooperation among Partner States to address existing challenges and foster greater unity within the EAC. The Ministers will use the retreat to underscore the importance of solidarity and collaboration in promoting stability and advancing the region’s collective interests.
The retreat is a result of the directive issued during the meeting of EAC Ministers on 16th February 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, while preparing for a consultative meeting of the Summit of the EAC Heads of State. At this meeting, the Partner States’ Ministers of Foreign and EAC Affairs highlighted the need for a retreat to facilitate in-depth conversations on crucial issues hindering the integration process. The United Republic of Tanzania offered to host the retreat.
Speaking at the retreat’s opening session, EAC Secretary General H.E. Veronica Nduva stated that the retreat provides a platform for candid exchanges, strategic planning, and the identification of actionable steps to enhance peace and security while deepening integration efforts within the EAC.
The Secretary General reiterated that as the EAC navigates evolving challenges and opportunities, the outcomes of the Ministerial Retreat would guide future initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development, shared prosperity, and stability across the region.
“I wish to reiterate my message at the recently concluded 45th ordinary Council on the importance of peace and stability in fostering the social, economic, and political integration of our region,” said H.E. Nduva.
The Secretary General emphasized that only through cooperation and commitment to dialogue can the region overcome peace and security challenges. She urged Partner States to work together to strengthen regional security mechanisms, promote conflict resolution, and foster a culture of peace within the Community.
On his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. January Makamba, who is also the host of the retreat, stressed the importance of unity among the Partner States, describing it as a catalyst for the region’s economic and social development.
“We have the responsibility to ensure that the Community works for the people and by the people as directed by the Summit,” said Hon. Makamba.
Hon. Makamba stated that integration can only succeed if peace, stability, and security are established throughout the region. He noted that the Summit directed ministers to facilitate the implementation of the four pillars of integration: Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union, and Political Federation.
Hon. Makamba urged the Ministers to use the three days of the retreat to thoroughly discuss the various issues affecting the integration process as one family and develop recommendations that will benefit East Africans.
The meeting was attended by Partner States’ Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ministers responsible for EAC Affairs, and their respective Permanent, Principal, and Under Secretaries.
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