By KPC Reporter
The East African Community (EAC) has concluded national consultations on the drafting of the Constitution of the East African Political Confederation in Rwanda, marking another milestone in the region’s journey toward deeper political integration.
The consultations, conducted over two weeks by EAC Constitutional Experts, brought together stakeholders in Kigali, Huye, Nyagatare and Rubavu to gather views that will help shape the proposed constitution.
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During the exercise, the Constitutional Experts paid a courtesy call on Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the East African integration agenda and urged stakeholders to sustain momentum towards the realization of the East African Political Confederation.
President Kagame said the aspirations of East Africans continue to demonstrate strong support for deeper regional integration and called on the experts to develop practical recommendations that can accelerate the process.
He also emphasized the need to address existing challenges affecting regional integration and commended the experts for undertaking the critical task of developing a constitutional framework for the proposed confederation.
The consultations brought together representatives from government institutions, Parliament, the Judiciary, academia, the private sector, civil society organizations, youth groups, women, persons with disabilities, faith-based organizations, political parties and the media.
Chairperson of the EAC Constitutional Experts Team and former Chief Justice of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Odoki, said the Rwanda consultations yielded valuable contributions that would inform the drafting process.
“What stands out from the Rwanda consultations is the depth and diversity of views expressed, which will be critical in shaping a practical and forward-looking constitutional framework for the East African Political Confederation,” said Odoki.
He noted that after consultations in all Partner States, the experts will prepare reports capturing stakeholders’ views, recommendations and aspirations before submitting them through EAC structures for consideration by the Heads of State.
EAC Deputy Secretary General for Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Hon. Aguer Ariik Malueth, thanked Rwanda for its active participation and reaffirmed the Community’s commitment to completing consultations in the remaining Partner States.
“The EAC remains committed to ensuring that the consultation process is inclusive, participatory and reflective of the aspirations of all East Africans,” said Malueth.
The East African Political Confederation is envisioned as the transitional stage towards the ultimate goal of a Political Federation and represents the fourth pillar of EAC integration after the Customs Union, Common Market and Monetary Union.
