A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the Integration Process

Edited by Azaveli Feza Lwaitama, James Kasombo & Kitila Mkumbo

Dar es Salaam, April, 2013 A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process:

Prepared from Country Research Reports written by Country Research Team Leaders: Prof Bernadette Killian (Tanzania), Prof. Mwambutsya Ndebesa Patt (), Dr. James Kasombo (Kenya), Ernest Ndayizeye () & Alloys Mutabingwa ()

Editorial Board 1. Dr. Azaveli Feza Lwaitama 2. Dr. Kitila Mkumbo 3. Dr. James Kasombo

Research Team 1. Prof. Mwambutsya Ndebesa Patt 2. Prof. Bernadeta Killian 3. Mr. Ernest Ndayizeye 4. Mr. Alloys Mutabingwa 5. Dr. James Kasombo

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania November, 2012 Contents

Preface 2 Foreword - By Ambassador Dr. Juma Volter Mwapachu 7 1. Introduction 11 2. Political Parties and Citizens’ Participation in EAC Integration 16 2.1 The Tanzanian Situation 16 2.1.1 Political Parties through the East African Legislative Assembly 18 2.1.2 Political parties’ Manifestos and EAC integration agenda 19 2.1.3 The 1999 EAC Treaty and Citizens’ participation 22 2.2 Other Avenues of Citizens’ Participation 24 2.2.1 Civil Society Organizations 24 2.2.2 Consultative Organs 25 2.2.3 The media 28 2.3 Insights Derived From Tanzania Country Study 28

3. EAC Non-state Actors Other Than Political Parties and Citizens’

Participation in EAC Integration 30 3.1 Overview of Regional Integration and the need for Non-State Actor Engagement 32 3.2 Non-State Actors (NSA) and Awareness Creation in EAC Integration 35 3.3 Towards Effective and Efficient Institutions for Regional Integration: The Case of EAC 36 3.4 Democratization of Regional Economic Schemes in the EAC 3.5 Insights derived from Kenya country study 37 4. Conclusion and Recommendations 42 4.1 Overall Conclusion and Recommendations 45 4.2 Synthesis of the Findings Drawn From Five Country Studies 45 References 52 Appendices 56 Communiqué & Photo at Launch 60

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 1 Preface

The Vision East Africa Forum reflection on and advocacy for (VEAF) is an East African a people-centered East African Community-wide civil society Community integration process.” think-tank that was launched, The launch communiqué commits with the support of the Friedrich- VEAF members to encourage Ebert-Stiftung (FES) in Tanzania, every stakeholder in the region to on the 6th of October, 2011, in do whatever is in their power to Arusha, Tanzania. The launch promote “…the timely attainment ceremony was conducted by the of the integration milestones as Secretary General of the East enshrined in the Treaty for the African Community, Honourable Establishment of the East African Dr. Richard Sezibera, in the Community and accompanying presence of Tanzania’s Minister protocols.” responsible for East African Community Affairs, Honourable The Forum sets itself the goal Mr. . The VEAF of striving to be a holistic non- received a certificate of formal state sector platform that brings registration as a non-profittogether the voices of a wide limited liability company in Dar range of civil society groups to es Salaam, Tanzania, on the 2nd bear on the actions of institutions July, 2012. entrusted with the realization of the main objective of the East The main goal of the Forum is African Community Treaty the provision of evidence-based of 1999, which is to promote intellectual support to efforts and a people-centred East African initiatives taken by state and non- Community integration process state sector stakeholders of the East that ultimately leads to the African Community integration establishment of an “East African process. As per the communiqué political federation … founded issued by the founder members on the fundamental democratic of the VEAF, the Forum seeks principles, social justice, equality to be “… a think tank for critical and respect for peoples dignity,

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 2 in the East African Community Integration Process rights and freedoms.” As per its from each member state of the communiqué of October 6th, East African Community: Prof. 2011, the Forum is a unique non- Bernadeta Killian (Tanzania), state sector opinion platform as Prof. Mwambutsya Ndebesa Patt its membership is “… primarily (Uganda), Dr. James Kasombo drawn from, but not necessarily, (Kenya), Ernest Ndayizeye representing a broad arena of non- (Burundi) & Alloys Mutabingwa state actors, including civil society (Rwanda). organizations, the private sector and academia.” In addition, FES supported two research dissemination This is the first publication of conferences: one in Dar es Salaam the Vision East Africa Forum in September, 2012; and the other that has been produced with in Arusha in October 2012. These the cooperation support of the conferences provided an avenue Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES)to discuss the preliminary and office in Tanzania, which also the final findings of the country supported the launching of the research reports. At the end of the Forum. The FES also provided Arusha research dissemination financial and secretarial support conference, the VEAF appointed to the Forum in coordinating an Editorial Board (Dr. Azaveli the work of conducting, in each Feza Lwaitama (Tanzania), Dr. of the five member states of James Kasombo (Kenya), and the East African Community, Dr. Kitila Mkumbo (Tanzania)), a study on citizen participation tasking it to consolidate the five in the EAC integration process, reports and prepare this booklet and the preparation of a country as a synthesis of the individual report on each of the five member country-based reports into a single states. The research work and publication meant to highlight the preparation of the country insights that are shared across the reports was commissioned five countries. The publication to research team leaders, one is being produced as VEAF

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 3 Research Monograph Number acted on its behalf, the staff of FES 1, hoping that it will be the first offices in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; in the series of monographs , Uganda; and Nairobi, that VEAF intends to produce Kenya. with the intention of stimulating evidence based debate on how Among the FES staff who we wish best, as pointed out earlier, every to single out for special mention stakeholder in the region may is Dr. Stefan Chrobot, who was do whatever is in their power to the Resident Director of FES- promote “…the timely attainment Tanzania in the period when FES of the integration milestones as extended its cooperation support enshrined in the Treaty for the in the establishment of VEAF and Establishment of the East African the publication of this monograph. Community and accompanying Without wishing to personalize protocols.” what was after all an institutional undertaking, the Editorial Board The Editorial Board wishes to would like to acknowledge the acknowledge the support from personal commitment shown by various key individuals and Dr Stefan Chrobot, much as this organizations in the preparation was a commitment as a Resident of this booklet. The BoardDirector of FES-Tanzania, expresses its gratitude to the discharged on behalf of FES as Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES)an organization. He certainly for its cooperation support of took a very keen and close Vision East Africa Forum in interest in ensuring the successful general, and the support to the establishment of the Forum, as country research endeavours that well in the undertaking of its resulted in the research reports first EAC region-wide research from which this booklet draws its endeavour. It was during his content. We express this gratitude, tenure as the Resident Director to the FES as an organization as of FES-Tanzania that FES well as to the individuals who accepted the additional request

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 4 in the East African Community Integration Process to assist in the publication of this of “democracy and development” monograph, in the most glossy world-wide, and to “peace and but cost-effective format, and for security”, thus, helping to “shape this we are profoundly grateful globalization in a socially just to both FES as an organization way.” and to Dr. Stefan Chrobot as the individual who persuaded the FES We also express many thanks to to assist VEAF to such an extent. the immediate former Secretary A new Resident Director of FES- General of the EAC, Ambassador Tanzania, Mr. Rolf Paasch, took Dr. Juma Volter Mwapachu, who, over from Dr. Stefan Chrobot in in addition to the moral support March 2013 just as the process of for the idea of registering the publishing this Monograph was VEAF as a non-profit company, about to be completed and he, also offered to write the Foreword too, like his predecessor, showed to this monograph. His prelude great enthusiasm in having this offers us some insights as to where publication come out as soon as the EAC integration process possible. We are most grateful is, and the extent to which the for his personal support to the process may be taken further publishing initiative as well as to forward much more expeditiously the work of the visionary VEAF if greater participation by all moving forward. sections of East African society are encouraged by organizations The Editorial Board believes that like the VEAF. FES has all along been behind the launch and work of the VEAF The Vision East Africa Forum because it shares the Forum’s belief takes its inspiration from the in the need for all like-minded analysis of the economic and citizens of the world to come to political conditions of the each other’s help in undertaking peoples of East and Central to contribute, in accord with one’s Africa after World War II, and local context, to the promotion the dreams of visionary East

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 5 Africans like the late Mwalimu after the Second World War and Julius Kambarage Nyerere, on again there was African opposition what would be the best way of for the same reason….Nyerere felt addressing those conditions. that most people in East Africa As far back as December 1961, agreed that if the conditions George Dunheved observed the could be fulfilled for federation, following: then the countries of East Africa in every respect would be much From the policy of unifying the better together as one political tribes of Tanganyika, Nyerere unit than if they were separate. swiftly moved to the vision of the (: A Biography:14). eventual federation of East and (Our emphasis.) central and, indeed, of a unified continent of Africa…. Federation was first proposed by the British Dr Azaveli Feza Lwaitama Government in 1929 but as Nyerere Chairman, Board of Directors remarked, the Africans could not of VEAF & Chairman, Editorial then accept it because it would Board have been dominated by the Kenya April 2013 settlers. There was another attempt

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 6 in the East African Community Integration Process Foreword

Ambassador provisions about the institutions Dr. Juma Volter Mwapachu. and institutional mechanisms Immediate former Secretary for putting the nation state at General of the East African the heart of integration decision- Community making process, with the Council of Ministers being the pivot. Regional integration is often viewed in trade and economic Yet it is increasingly becoming an terms because of the traditional issue of great contestation whether end results that feature as the democratic state is—or should primary goals of integration. be—defined and deemed to be Concomitantly, integration dominantly the state with its three processes have become more pillars of the executive, legislature a matter of managerial and and judiciary. It is a contestation technocratic process driven by that also extends to regional governmental interests and power institutions even where the pillars relations. Thus, whilst regional that embody the separation of integration is fundamentally powers do not feature, or feature a highly political process, the as prominently. In other words, nature of the democratic state does a political process merely has dominantly defined who start and end with electoral and the principal players are, and legislative politics? In the EAC what institutional structures are Treaty, the provisions that relate necessary in enabling integration to the development of a people- decision-making processes to centred integration project are be undertaken. In this regard, left loose and hanging. Of course, the Treaty establishing the East there is a view that the East African Community (EAC) is African Legislative Assembly crafted in a manner reflective of (EALA) is a people representative the nature of the democratic state body, and thus a capable organ to of the founding partner states. promote the interests of the EAC Thus, the Treaty is very clear in its citizens in the integration process.

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 7 However, the EALA is not a body of by what is often described as the directly elected representatives in lack of knowledge about the EAC the same manner as, for example, amongst the broad masses. On the European Union Parliament, its face, the question clearly begs which leaves the question as to another: whose responsibility its legitimacy as a representative is it to educate the citizens? Is it organ of the people. Moreover, the the EAC itself, or does it lie with EAC Treaty is weak in addressing the partner states who own the the engagement of civil society EAC and upon whom most of organizations (CSOs) in any the decisions about the pace and effective way. Whilst many CSOs depth of integration principally have indeed mushroomed in the lie? region—some weak, some strong (one could refer to organizations In my view, this question extends such as the East African Business beyond citizens being informed Council and the East African Law and becoming knowledgeable Society as being very strong)— about the EAC. It has more to the EAC lacks an institutional do with democratic politics framework for engaging these and citizen participation. In bodies, and arriving at mutually this context, this question has determined decisions. One may attracted great interest among also query: are these organised social scientists for several years. bodies mere ‘lobby’ or ‘interest The interest now flows from a group’ CSOs? new reality that we live in the age of consent, and that the nature of As such, there remains the more our democratic politics has to be fundamental question about transformed in the face of new how East African citizens can information and communication broadly be involved and allowed technologies, and with social the space to participate in the media becoming a huge and EAC integration process. This effective platform and vehicle question has been heightened for empowering citizens to voice

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 8 in the East African Community Integration Process opinions, agitate and even propel governments, donors, politicians revolutions. In sum, we are now or, in this particular respect, the witnessing what the late Professor EAC. Social movements that are Rajni Kothari described, in his citizen-based, centred and driven 1990 magisterial book, Politics and are the critical agents and catalyst the People-In Search of a Humane of any form of transformation. India, as the “… convulsion of I think we overplay in calling human consciousness” that is for the creation of institutional driving a dynamic and aggressive arrangements to organize such civic ethos and action. It is a new movements. Bureaucratization of form of political expression that civil society and of spontaneous operates outside the realm of people’s drives for participation mainstream politics of political and change cannot achieve the parties. requisite—albeit, some migration of—power from the state. With the fast changing demographics, especially in the Sustainable regional integration of EAC region where the challenges the EAC has to fall in line with the of the youth bulge are becoming objective reality that you cannot devastatingly worrisome, this have grass without roots, as LC new form of political expression Jain so ably argued in his book, that now underlies the numerous Grass Without Roots (1985) with Blogs such as ‘Jamii Forum’, respect to India’s development ‘Vijana Forum’ etc., is taking challenges in the 1980s. The EAC shape and becoming a force must be driven by a ‘grassroots’ in civic engagement. Recently, ethos and thrust based on broad Twaweza, a NGO, launched a citizen participation at all levels of project titled ’Ni Sisi’ (It is us), the East African society. I believe to promote the idea that citizens that this booklet, which features can forge change through their the research work undertaken own actions rather than depend under the auspices of the Vision on external agencies, be they East Africa Forum Limited and

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 9 the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, aims will catalyse what Rajni Kothari at advocating the centrality of calls ‘a common élan and thrust’ putting the citizens of our region propelled by “… diverse voices at the heart of the EAC integration joining in symphony that cannot process. I commend this effort but be heard, respected and and hope that the publication admired.”

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 10 in the East African Community Integration Process 1 Introduction

East African regional Organization Agreements integration dates far back to 1961 – 1966, (and) the Treaty the beginning of 20th century, for East African Cooperation by then encompassing three of 1967 for the establishment the present members of East respectively, of the East African Community (EAC): Africa High Commission, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. the East African Common As summarized in the Preamble Services Organization and the of the current 1999 Treaty for East African Community as the Establishment of the East successive joint organizations African Community (TEEAC), of the said countries to control the social and economic and administer certain matters integration measures that provide of common interest and to the historical antecedents of the regulate the commercial current EAC include: and industrial relations and “the construction of the transactions between the said Kenya Uganda Railway 1897 countries and by means of a - 1901, the establishment central legislature to enact on of the Customs Collection behalf of the said countries Centre 1900, the East African laws relevant to the purposes of Currency Board 1905, the the said joint organizations” Postal Union 1905, the Court of Appeal for Eastern Africa As the same Preamble of 1999 1909, the Customs Union 1919, TEEAC states, the original the East African Governors 1967 “Treaty for East African Conference 1926, the East Co-operation” that established African Income Tax Board the original “East African 1940 and the Joint Economic Community” was officially Council 1940; the East Africa wound up in 1977. The 1999 (High Commission) Orders in TEEAC Preamble attributes “the Council 1947 - 1961, the East main reasons contributing to African Common Services

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 11 the collapse” of the original East full participation of the majority African Community to: of citizens of the EA region in the “lack of strong political will, EAC integration process. lack of strong participation of the private sector and civil The first step in seeking to revive society in the co-operation the EAC on a more democratic activities, the continued footing would seem to trace disproportionate sharing of back to initiatives taken by benefits of the Community Presidents Arap Moi of Kenya, among the Partner States due of Tanzania, to their differences in their and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda levels of development and lack that resulted in the signing, in of adequate policies to address Arusha, Tanzania, on November this situation.” 30, 1993, in the presence of the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage The unequal ‘distribution of the Nyerere, of an agreement for the pains and benefits of cooperation’ establishment of a Permanent was itself a result of what Tanzania’s Tripartite Commission (PTC) for High Commissioner to Nigeria, East African Co-operation. The Dr. Msuya Waldi Mangachi Secretariat of the Commission (2008:199) has characterized as was established in 1996, followed “the structural dependency of by the signing of a treaty re- the East African economy on establishing a revived EAC on the metropolitan countries and November 30, 1999, though, the lack of a coherent development treaty only came into force on strategy to de-link from the July 7, 2000. President Mwai vicious circle of this dependency.” Kibaki of Kenya, President Yoweri The political clout to de-link Museveni of Uganda and President from external neo-colonial forces of Tanzania can only derive greater regional formally admitted Rwanda and political integration which in Burundi to the expanded EAC turn is only possible if there is at the 5th Extra-Ordinary East

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 12 in the East African Community Integration Process Africa Community’s Heads of and expanded EAC would State summit held at the Serena seem to have been attending to Hotel in Kampala, Uganda, on the treaty obligations of each June 18, 2007. Indeed, it was member states in circumstances at the ceremony for granting that still register unsatisfactory admission to Rwanda and levels of citizen participation the Burundi to the EAC where revived EAC integration process. President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, Members of the Vision East Africa as the Chairman of that session of Forum Limited (VEAF) wished to the Summit, used the occasion to ascertain the extent to which the pay tribute to President Museveni democratic deficits that led to the and former Presidents Ali Hassan collapse of the first wave of EAC Mwinyi and Daniel arap Moi integration do not still manifest for having been the ones who, themselves in the manner in possibly under the influence of which the current laudable EAC the late Mwalimu Nyerere and integration efforts have been in the shadow of then Rwanda unfolding. and Burundi violent conflict simmering, took the courageous At various meetings of the first step, on November 30, members of the VEAF, there 1993, in reviving the EAC, on was unanimous agreement with a new and potentially expanded analyses like those above that democratic footing. argued that the historical origins of the previous EAC integration Looking back to these inspirations projects had suffered from for the revival of the desire to immense democratic deficits work towards EAC integration, it and these deficits were the cause is important to observe that the of the collapse of these previous decision making organs of the integration efforts. It was agreed revived EAC and the manner in that the building blocks of what which the political leadership of later evolved into the immediate the member states of the revived post-independence EAC that

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 13 collapsed in 1977, and had to democracy political dispensation, be revived from the 1990s, were it was deemed important to find laid by a succession of social and out the extent to which citizens economic integration measures, affiliated to political parties in first by the British colonialthe oppositions, as well as those authorities, and, subsequently currently in power, are equally by the immediate post-colonial consulted and encouraged to independent governments, all participate in decision-making with little consultation of the relating to the EAC integration feelings of the majority of the agenda. indigenous inhabitants of the East African region. It is indeed pertinent to note here that while the need to enhance The VEAF members thus wished democratic participation has been to undertake research, in each recognized, and renewed efforts member state, that sought to are currently being sought to establish the extent to which incorporate extensive consultation citizens in each member state of and participation by the widest the revived EAC have had their possible range of private sector voices heard in the scripting of and civil society, some studies the on-going EAC integration have identified ironies to these agenda. Specifically, the VEAF efforts. For example, Mukandala members wished to establish the and Killian (2004) have pointed extent to which political parties out that citizens’ participation to which citizens in the relevant may result in the “consolidation countries were affiliated addressed of nation states” as well as an issues of EAC integration at their increase in territorial nationalist regular policy making meetings. demagogy about the need for Since all the countries in the “non-interference in each other’s region have adopted a multi-party internal affairs; respect for each

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 14 in the East African Community Integration Process other’s sovereignty.” All these of the ultimate goal of EAC may work towards ‘consolidating’ regional political and economic the status quo; thus promoting a cooperation, which are political situation that may be the opposite federation and political union.

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 15 Political parties and citizens’ 2 participation in eac integration

The Tanzania Chapter of the parties is not very satisfactory. VEAF investigated the role of political party participation in the 2.1 The Tanzanian Situation1 integration process or lack thereof (Killian, 2012). This countryTanzania is a merger of two study highlights a number of formerly independent states, insights on the extent to which a Tanganyika and Zanzibar, which lot is still required to encourage united in 1964 to form the United full participation of all political Republic of Tanzania. After parties and their members in independence in 1961, Tanzania the EAC integration. What this had a brief period of a multi-party country presents as the situation politics which lasted up until pertaining to Tanzania seems to 1965 when a single-party system apply to most other EAC member was instituted. With the wind of states. For example, it was noted change toward democratization in during the research dissemination the 1990s, Tanzania re-introduced conference that Kenya had a multi-party system in 1992. just adopted a new national There are now a total of 19 political constitution, and yet this new parties in the country. However, constitution did not make much (CCM) reference to the EAC integration. has been able to maintain power Similarly, the election manifestoes since independence even amidst of Kenyan political parties hardly multi-party competitive elections. addressed the EAC integration in Tanzania uses a first-past-the- any great detail, if at all. A similar post electoral system (FPTP), situation was observed with whereby a candidate who gets the respect to Uganda, Rwanda and most votes, whether a majority or Burundi. Let us now examine the results of the Tanzania country ______study at greater length in order 1The discussion in this section is based on the draft country research report submitted by Prof Bernadette Killian of the Department of to emphasize the fact that citizen Political Science and Public Administration, University of Dar es participation through political Salaam.

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 16 in the East African Community Integration Process plurality, is elected; and the party to enhance citizen participation with a majority of seats constitutes and strengthen accountability the government. In parliamentary (Thames 2007). Besides, such a and local government elections, party is capable of performing candidates are elected through a the usual functions of interest single-member constituency. The articulation, interest aggregation, Union parliament consists of 239 political socialisation, political Members of Parliament (MPs) recruitment, rule making, who are directly elected at the representation, and forming constituency level. In addition, a government (Gunther & women’s participation in the Diamond, 2001). elective organs is further promoted by the constitutional affirmative Out of the nineteen registered action system, whereby 30% of political parties in Tanzania, all seats in the Parliament are only six have seats in the Union supposed to be special seats for parliament. These include Chama women. These seats are allocated cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Chama to political parties in accordance cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo to their national vote share in (CHADEMA), parliamentary elections. (CUF), National Convention for Construction and Reform LaPalombara and Weiner (1966) (NCCR-Mageuzi), and Tanzania note that political parties are Labour Party (TLP). According to not only creatures of modern the 2010 elections, CCM secured and modernizing political 78% of all constituency-based systems, but are also, in one seats followed by CUF (10%), way or another, omnipresent. CHADEMA (9.6%), NCCR-M Basedau and Stroh (2008) assert (1.7%), TLP (0.4%) and UDP that political parties ought to be (0.4%). In the Presidential institutionalised so as to play their elections, CCM’s presidential democratic roles effectively. An candidate, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete institutionalised party is thought secured 61.2% of the national

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 17 votes, followed by CHADEMA’s socialisation, and political candidate, Dr. Willibroad Slaa recruitment. (26.3%), CUF’s candidate, 2.1.1 Political Parties through Prof. Ibrahim Lipumba (8.1%) the East African Legislative and the remaining candidates Assembly attained 1.8% of the total votes cast. During the 2010 elections, The EAC Treaty provides one only around 8 million, out of formal avenue through which the 20 million eligible voters, political parties can participate in participated in the electing their the integration process. Article 9 leaders (NEC, 2010; TEMCO, (1) (f) of the Treaty establishes the 2011). The point here is that only East African Legislative Assembly a small segment of the Tanzania’s (EALA), which is vested with population is actively involved decision-making powers. The with political parties’ activities Assembly is composed of members either as voters or as members; elected by the respective national and this should be taken into assemblies of each member state. account when assessing the role Article 50 (1) of the Treaty states: of political parties in mobilising their members and supporters “The National Assembly of for the EAC integration agenda each Partner State shall elect, (NEC, 2010; Makulilo & Raphael, not from among its members, 2010). With the exception of nine members of the Assembly, CCM, CHADEMA and CUF, who shall represent as much the remaining political parties as it is feasible, the various are weakly institutionalized; and political parties represented in are only limited to urban areas the National Assembly, shades (Mukandala & Kiragu, 2005; of opinion, gender and other Mmuya, 1998). Owing to this, special interest groups in that they fail to perform their critical Partner State, in accordance functions of interest articulation, with such procedure as the interest aggregation, political National Assembly of each Partner State may determine.”

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 18 in the East African Community Integration Process The Treaty thus requires MPs, instance, members of the EALA are in their respective states, to drawn from three political parties elect representatives for the only: CCM, CUF and NCCR-M. EALA. Aspirants to the EALA Seven out of the nine members are supposed to be members belong to the ruling party, CCM. of political parties who are The opportunity to involve the not MPs. In this way, issues of citizens is restricted by the fact it representativeness as well as is MPs, and not individual voters, accountability are definitelywho directly elect members of the difficult to map out since the EALA. In this case, the process of individual thus elected to the electing members of the EALA EALA could not claim to have a is essentially top-down. Various direct popular mandate similar stakeholders have recommended to the one that can be claimed the need to introduce universal by the elected constituency MPs franchise in electing members in the national Parliaments. of the EALA in order to boost Moreover, even with regard to the citizens’ participation and popular mandate that could be awareness of the EAC integration claimed by the constituency MPs process. in national Parliaments, the level of participation of the individual 2.1.2 Political Parties’ citizens within political parties is Manifestos and EAC rather limited. Integration Agenda

Furthermore, some political It is strange to note that no parties are excluded from political party has specific and participating in the selection grand plans about the East process given that only political African Community integration. parties with representation in Moreover, parties have not been the National Assembly get the able to develop mechanisms opportunity to elect the EALA through which its members and members. In Tanzania, for followers can participate in the

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 19 EAC integration agenda, thereby national and local issues; and the undermining the whole idea of agenda of EAC integration was a ‘people-centred community’. not a rallying issue for political Ideally, national elections parties’ mobilization drive. provide opportunity for citizens to participate effectively in the The ruling party, CCM and its activities of a political party. This is predecessor, TANU, has had due to the fact that the opportunity a history of supporting East for citizen participation that African integration even before exists in between general independence. Once, the Prime election times is limited. Using Minister of Tanganyika, Julius election manifestos, political Nyerere, was even ready to delay parties engage in mobilizing the Tanganyika’s independence electorate in order to induce their until Uganda and Kenya had support for electoral victory. attained their independence for In the 2010 general elections, the sake of the EA integration. which was the first election to be However, during the multi-party held after Rwanda and Burundi phase, though at the forefront of joined the EAC, different political revitalizing the EA integration parties came up with election process, the CCM leadership has manifestos. The content analysis been labelled as being a hesitant of these manifestos shows that player toward full integration, while issues regarding the EAC especially in fast-tracking the were mentioned in the election process towards a political manifestos of three major federation. This is partly reflected political parties, there were no in the 2010 CCM election grand plans in the manifestos manifesto, which only argued for on the modalities of enhancing the need to promote economic citizens’ participation in the integration, not just with the EAC, EAC integration agenda. The but also with SADC, without focus of the election manifestos stating clearly how that can be was largely domestic, stressing achieved, or how the people can

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 20 in the East African Community Integration Process be involved in fostering such kind The same pattern can be observed of integration. The 134-page long in the opposition political parties, document mentions the EAC only namely CHADEMA and CUF. twice: not as a paragraph, section, First, CHADEMA calls for the title or sub-title, but merely in a need to promote English teaching sentence. While there is a section in schools in order to produce on global and national trends, graduates who can compete with opportunities and challenges, partner states in the labour market, there is a glaring omission of particularly Kenya and Uganda regional trends and dynamics (CHADEMA Manifesto, 2010). in the document, where issues The second mention of the EAC of EAC integration could have in CHADEMA’s manifesto relates been addressed. Fears expressed to the need to reclaim Tanzania’s in the speeches of national leading role in promoting the leaders about such issues as fast- EAC integration and full political tracking political federation and federation. It challenges CCM benefits-sharing among partner for being rather hesitant towards states are not reflected at all in the integration process, without the election manifesto. Neither however mentioning how citizens is the EAC discussed as part of could be involved in the scripting the CCM five-year achievements, of the integration process (ibid). nor as challenges. The EAC is On its part, the CUF manifesto mentioned twice in relation to the states that “… the prosperity of need to continue with economic Tanzania relies a lot on EAC, hence partnerships agreement between CUF will support the strengthening EAC and the EU and the need to and integration of the block as it improve the quality of education is worth doing so to all citizens in order to enable Tanzanian of the Great Lakes region” (CUF graduates to compete in the EAC Manifesto, 2010 [translation from labour market. Kiswahili to English, ours]).

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 21 Being written in the election and constitutions. He further manifestos is one thing, and being pointed out that, there is huge gap discussed in the campaign rallies between the political class and is a different matter altogether. bureaucrats, which in turn makes EAC issues were rarely raised in it difficult for important decisions the campaign rallies, which were to be implemented within partner largely dominated by national states. 2 and local issues. According to the Synovate (Tanzania) report 2.1.3 The 1999 EAC Treaty and (2010), the five major issues that Citizens’ participation dominated the 2010 election campaigns were corruption, The 1999 EAC Treaty is built on agriculture, education, peace, and the basis of being a people-centred health (TEMCO Report, 2011:63). (not people-driven as it is market- driven!), without establishing It is in recognition of this trend the modalities of citizenry that the EAC organized, for the participation. Indeed, the term first time, a forum involving ‘citizens’ rarely appears in the 129- delegates from political parties page document. Stakeholders’ in the EAC in Nairobi in August, participation is mentioned in 2012. The main objective of the relation to the private sector and forum was to chart out ways organized civil society. Article 127 in which political parties can (1b) of the Treaty states that “… popularise the EAC, particularly the partner states agree to provide by highlighting the importance opportunities for entrepreneurs to of deepening both economic participate actively in improving and political integration. In his the policies and activities of the opening speech, Kenya’s Prime institutions of the Community that Minister, Mr Raila Odinga, affect them.” Furthermore, Article accused political parties in EA ______of excluding regional integration 2http/www.in2eastafrica.net/eac-political-parties-meet-in- from their election manifestos nairobi

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 22 in the East African Community Integration Process 127 (3) of the same 1999 EAC where the term ‘women’ appears Treaty states that the partner states 20 times. Article 121 recognizes agree to promote an enabling that women make a significant environment for the participation contribution towards socio- of civil society in the development economic transformation and activities within the Community. sustainable growth, and that it is Also, according to Article 127(4), impossible to implement effective the Community “… shall provide developmental programmes the forum for consultations without the full participation of between the private sector, civil women. There are regional bodies society organizations and other for promoting the participation interest groups and appropriate of CSOs and the private sector institutions of the Community.” To in the EAC agenda. Sadly, the cap it all, Article 7 (1d) states that initiatives for establishing an EA the Community “… shall operate apex organization catering for the on the principle of subsidiarity, interests of women entrepreneurs with emphasis on multi-level would seem so far not yet to have participation and the involvement born visible results. of a wide range of stakeholders in the process of integration.” It is no All this brings us to the question: wonder the term citizens appears how are citizens and citizens’ only 5 times, compared to 22 participation defined in the times for private sector, and 13 Treaty? As we have seen from times for civil society. Indeed, the above, the groups that feature Chapter 25 covers the modalities prominently in the Treaty are under which the private sector the private sector, civil society and civil society are to participate organizations, and women. As in the affairs of the Community. such, the EAC promotes citizens’ participation largely through The most notable aspect in the select groups of organized document is the chapter on stakeholders. Unfortunately, promoting women’s participation, the modalities for citizenry

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 23 participation in the affairs of the Africa; EAC are not provided in the EAC • Ability to enhance Treaty. development partnership; • Having objectives of common interest to the partner states; 2.2 Other Avenues of • Bearing a regional dimension, Citizens’ Participation i.e., being registered in each of the partner states; and 2.2.1 Civil Society Organizations • Having a track record of at least three years of active operation As discussed above, the EAC in regional activities. Treaty recognizes the role of CSOs in promoting EAC activities. There have been various NGOs Yet, the rules regulating CSOs which, through advocacy, have activities limit them only to an been aggregating and articulating observer status. Moreover, the the interests of the Tanzanian rules set stringent requirements citizens towards the integration of for CSOs to be recognized as the EAC. These NGOs, however, partners in the framework of the are largely urban-based, and EAC and, as a result, only a few hence fail to reach the majority organizations have been granted rural population. Even in the the observer status (Odhiambo, urban areas, it is only a small 2010). These rules include: segment of the residents who • Acceptance of the fundamental can be said to be informed of, principles underlying the and actively participate in, affairs EAC; related to the EAC. These are the • Having an interest in the elites engaged in various spheres fundamental and operational as academicians, NGO activists, principles of the EAC; civil servants and technocrats, • Making a contribution journalists, and the business towards the strengthening of community. regional integration in East

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 24 in the East African Community Integration Process Moreover, member states limit the initiative of acting as a CSOs operation in their countries. coordinator of bringing aboard In Tanzania, for example, the Non- CSOs in the country to actively Government Organizations Act engage in the EAC integration No. 24 of 2002, and the Societies process. In a one-day roundtable Act Cap. 337 R.E 2002 still meeting, it was noted that very limit the activities of CSOs and few CSOs and civic actors at NGOs. One of the requirements the sub-national level have the is that NGOs are not allowed to knowledge or the skills needed be partisan and participate in to engage in the EAC integration politics. This has been a problem process. TANGO shares the as the scope of politics is difficult similar observation that so far to ascertain. For example, in 1995 there is a very low participation the Tanzania Women Council of the civic population in the EAC (BAWATA) was de-registered on integration.3 the allegation that it was involving itself in politics during the 1995 2.2.2 Consultative Organs general elections. BAWATA took the matter to the High Court A Referendum is a ballot vote of Tanzania, and it was in 2009 on a political issue in which that the case was determined citizens are directly consulted to in favour of BAWATA. Another decide either to accept or reject organization that has faced similar a proposal considered of great threats from the government is importance in their respective HAKIELIMU, which seems to be polity. At its bottom-line, critical of government education therefore, a referendum is based policies. on the principle of majority rule to legitimize a political agenda Despite these challenges, on (Qvortrup, 2002:19). If well- 6 August 2012 the Tanzania ______Association of Non-Governmental 3 For further information on TANGO one is advised to visit www. Organizations (TANGO) took tango.or.tz

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 25 conducted, this process is an ideal significance, a referendum has mechanism of involving masses one limitation: peoples’ lack of in determining their destiny. The awareness of the issue being Wako Report (2004) stressed the addressed. For instance, in 2009 importance of a referendum with Afrobarometer conducted a study regard to fast-tracking of the called “Citizens’ Views on the East political federation of the EAC. It African Federation: A Tanzanian states: Perspective” and found that a large majority of Tanzanians had little A public referendum in the three or no awareness of the proposed Partner States would appear East African Federation. The the most natural policy choice. results of that Afrobarometer The referendum process isstudy are summarized in Figure desirable since large numbers of 1 below. Overall, nearly 31% the EA have stated very clearly had not heard anything about that they want not only to the Federation, and nearly 46% understand what a federation is, had heard only ‘some’ or ‘a little’ but also own it and participate about it. Only 20% of Tanzanians in its formation. The process indicated that they had heard a ‘lot’ of a referendum is by itself is about the proposed East African a milestone, and takes a bit of Federation. Rural respondents time.4 were less informed about the proposed Federation than their

Despite the realisation of its Awareness in Percentage 50 importance, however, so far there 45 35 has not been any referendum 30 held in the member states with 25 20 regard to the issue of fast-tracking 15 10 the EA federation. It is pertinent 5 0 to note here that despite its Not Hear Heard Some Heard a lot ______Figure 1: Awareness of Tanzanians on the Proposed East 4 Report of the Committee on Fast-Tracking East African African Federation Federation 2004 (Popularly known as the Wako Report). Source: Afrobarometer: Briefing Paper, No. 54 of February 2009

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 26 in the East African Community Integration Process urban counterparts: 34% of rural of fast-tracking on four main dwellers had heard nothing about issues: economic differences the proposal, compared to 22% of between Kenya and Tanzania, the urban dwellers.5 ability to compete in the EAC job market, the need for building a Furthermore, citizens’ strong economic foundation, and participation can be sought the ownership question of land through collecting their opinion and natural resources (Nyirabu, on the particular issue; a task that is 2011). It was also believed that usually done by a commission or a the questionable democratic committee. However, this method credentials of some of the partner only provides an opportunity to states instilled some fears among some members of the community a certain segment of Tanzanians. to participate, instead of involving the whole community. Following The ongoing constitutional review a recommendation by the Fast- in the country offers an avenue Tracking Committee in 2006, for Tanzanians to air their views each member state carried an on the EAC integration agenda, enquiry into the need for fast- among other things. While it is tracking the EAC integration. too early to conclude on the main Out of 65,000 Tanzanians who issues brought about by the people had the opportunity to air their in the constitutional review views before the Committee, process, signs already indicate 74.6% said that there is no need that national and local issues are for fast-tracking the East Africa dominating the debate. The union Political Federation. Only 25% of question between Tanganyika and those interviewed were in support Zanzibar is highly controversial, of a fast-tracking the process. An especially in Zanzibar where analysis of the views shows that sentiments against the Union are Tanzanians expressed some fears openly raised. The structure of the ______Union may have an implication 5 Afrobarometer: Briefing Paper, No. 54 of February 2009. towards the form of Tanzania’s

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 27 membership in the EAC. A soliciting their views on the EAC certain section of Zanzibaris integration agenda. are advocating the break-up of the Union, and are calling for 2.2.3 The Media Zanzibar to join the EAC as an independent state. The media has also been at the forefront in raising public Moreover, following the EAC awareness about the EAC Treaty, member states were integration process. The EAC urged to establish a ministry organizes annual EAC Media that deals with EAC affairs. This Awards ceremony, where is the Ministry of East African journalists are evaluated and Cooperation in Tanzania. It honoured for their work on has been involving the citizens the EAC integration process. in various issues related to the In Tanzania, the media’s role in integration process by using reporting EAC integration issues different methods like workshops, is still very limited. Compared seminars, minister’s visitations; to other media outlets, only The and meetings involving citizens, Citizen newspaper has received NGOs, political parties, business- recognition for consistently people, academicians and featuring EAC integration issues. politicians. In August, 2012, the Minister, Mr. Samuel Sitta, 2.3 Insights Derived from held a series of meetings during Tanzania Country Study his tour of regions bordering neighbour EAC member states. Stakeholders’ participation in Commendable as these visits the affairs of the current EAC were, it may be argued that integration process has definitely the Minister would have been increased compared to the former compelled to use a lot of time EAC that collapsed in 1977. during these visits addressing the The scope of their involvement, people on EAC issues, rather than however, does not in significant

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 28 in the East African Community Integration Process ways foster meaningful and media in Tanzania in raising expanded citizens’ participation. awareness about EAC integration The EAC Treaty has not yet is also limited. As such, although provided adequate conditions for the EAC is founded on the the citizenry to be active agents principle of being ‘people- who can, in turn, shape the EAC centred’, it has a long way to go integration process. The role of before becoming a ‘people-driven’ political parties, CSOs and the integration process

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 29 EAC non-state actors other than political parties and citizens’ participation in eac 3 integration6 he Kenyan Chapter of the VEAF • Address the EAC region’s investigated at great length the developmental problems and role of non-state actors other than reverse its exclusion in the political party participation in the globalizing world. integration process, or the lack • Address the all-important thereof (Kasombo, 2012). The issues of peace and security, Kenyan country study brought democratization and to light the extent to which there development that pose is a lot that still needs to be done institutional challenges at the to encourage full participation of bilateral and multi-lateral members of organizations of non- levels. state actors in the EAC integration. • Tackle fully and What this chapter presents as the comprehensively obstacles situation pertaining on the issue that block development and seems to apply to most other EAC growth in the region, and thus member states. lead to the realization of the much-needed socio-economic The Kenya country research effort and political transformation. was motivated by the recognition of the important role that civil The Kenya country study society and the private sector can consisted of both extensive play in the realization of the full library documentation search as potential of the EAC integration well as a rapid survey of opinions process. It was recognized that, using interviews and selected when fully implemented, the EAC participant group discussions. integration process would be able The preliminary findings were to: further subjected to validation at various research dissemination workshops in Kenya under the ______6 The discussion in this section is based on the draft country research VEAF-Kenya Chapter, as well as report submitted by Dr. James Kasombo (2012) on behalf of the in Tanzania under the auspices of entire team of researchers commissioned by the VEAF-Kenya Chapter, known as the Kenya Non-State Actors Forum. the regional VEAF. This section

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 30 in the East African Community Integration Process attempts to synthesize the finding role of mainstreaming issues of the Kenya country study. that are of interest to the people; and thereby accord legitimacy Kenya’s political and economic to the process, and close the gap history provides proof that there between rhetoric and reality. is need for full civil society and There is also an emphasis on private sector participation in the need for a platform/forum the integration process. However, through which the people, civil the 1999 EAC treaty did not society and the private sector can provide clear-cut mechanisms proactively influence the pace and for their involvement in the direction of regional integration. design and implementation In general, therefore, the Kenya of the integration process as it country research has identified was largely dominated by the four issues that require urgent political elite and bureaucracies. interventions by non-state actors Therefore, CSOs have so far failed to enhance mutual attainment of to evolve the requisite capacities respective goals and/or objectives and strategies for engaging in the in the integration processes: process. Generally, the research • Lack of awareness on the found out that most CSOs still EAC integration process; focus their attention on the • Poor implementation of the national level and have, therefore, legislative frameworks of the neither forged meaningful EAC; partnerships, nor strengthened • Undemocratic nature of cross-border collaboration and the EAC institutions and research and dissemination processes; and capacities to tackle issues at the • Weak and/or dysfunctional regional level. The private sector EAC institutions. has done much better, but still faces a lot of hurdles. Through quality engagement, the civil society can play the all-important

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 31 3.1 Overview of Regional in undertaking thorough review Integration and the Need of the Wako Report now, some for Non-State Actors years after it was issued, not least Engagement because some of those who held negative views on the need for fast Most research respondents didn’t tracking political integration may seem to be aware of the EAC have revised their stances in the Treaty, which is an important light of difficulties that have been component to the regional experienced in implementing integration. Interview evidence the already agreed upon customs from the Kenya study suggested and common market protocols that there was need to disseminate due to lack of supra-national information on the EAC Treaty institutions to follow up on and popularize it among the enforcement of agreed lines of EAC people so as to eliminate action and benchmarks. It would the fears that people have on the seem that a thorough reading of integration. If people were made the 1999 EAC Treaty leaves one aware of the provisions of the in no doubt about the fact that EAC Treaty they would feel less the past EAC integration (1967- inclined to be suspicious of the 1977) is radically different from implications of fully implementing the current one. The current EAC the Treaty and would be more integration effort is deliberately likely to see the benefits of the supposed to people-centred much accelerated implementation of as it is agreed that it could not of all the milestones enshrined possibly be anything but market- in the Treaty, including political driven. federation. Indeed, some respondents in the Focused Group The Kenya country study Discussions undertaken during observes that the current EAC the implementation of the Kenya organizational structure does country study were of the view not seem to provide for a strong that perhaps there may be benefit democratic institution at the

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 32 in the East African Community Integration Process centre EAC decision making and pains of the of the EAC institutional profile. The East integration process given the African (EALA) provided for in historic and geographical unequal the 1999 EAC Treaty does not distribution of resources among provide for regional legislators communities in East Africa. This elected by popular vote but rather is an organizational structure that those nominated by members of seems to be ill-suited to address the member states’ incumbent the issue of the need for Partner legislatures. The study alsostates to harmonize country-level reveals that there is a feeling policies with the respective EAC among stakeholders that the regional level policies, modifying governance structures set up to country level policies to be in line implement decisions at the EAC with EAC regional level policy Headquarters tend to be weak thrusts. and definitely undemocratic institutions. Between the Furthermore, the Kenya country Summit of Heads of States one study highlights the following as has a Council of Ministers and specific challenges facing EAC the technocrats who service integration project: the Council, the Permanent • On peoples’ participation: Secretaries of Ministries of EAC the study provides support to Affairs, who do not reside at the the view that the EAC people EAC Headquarters. To make ought to be made aware of matters worse, in terms of official the process and should be protocol, the Ministers view the allowed full participation in Secretary General of the EAC the process. more or less as a regional EAC • On common tariffs: the study “Permanent Secretary” at large! provides support to the view This is hard an organizational that the lack of common trade structure likely to address issues tariffs is widely considered as such as perceived or actual a factor contributing to the unequal access to the gains hampering of robust trade

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 33 among member states as the view that member states are boarder regulations are still yet to invest adequate time and not allowing free movement of resources in discussing what goods and services. would be entailed in having a • On common official identity political federation. for being considered the East African person: the study The Kenya country study provides support to the view provides support to the view that the lack of national IDs in that vision oriented NGO think Uganda and Tanzania hinders tanks like the VEAF must seeks movement within member to encourage the building of states. Also, the study provides convergences of the voices of support to the view that the currently voiceless elements while Kenya has national IDs; in civil society and the private these ought to be machine sector who are the majority and readable so as to enable easy who will benefit most from the identification within the EAC full implementation of all the key borders. milestones of enunciated in the • On work permits: the study 1999 EAC Treaty, demanding as provides support to the it does for the establishment of view that some countries people-centred, even if market- still require work permits driven, EAC integration process. from non-nationals before Promotion of such a convergences being allowed to work in the may help push for amore country. The study provides democratic integration process support to the view that the where EALA MPs have a popular EAC should also be open to mandate, the EA Court of Justice allow businessmen/women to has teeth, and EAC Secretariat run their business across the is an effective governing Council countries without restrictions. led, perhaps, by an effective, albeit • On political federation: the rotating, single person Presidency study provides support to the as the Summit! The Kenya country

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 34 in the East African Community Integration Process study also provides support to 3. Involving the media in the view that a vision oriented cascading the EAC agenda; NGO think tank like the VEAF 4. Having democratic structures can promote the championing that will involve electing of the development of a detailed members of EALA directly by catalogue of common values and the people. principles that may constitute an East African integration ethos. The Kenya country study notes that the 1999 EAC Treaty specifies the two ways in which 3.2 Non-State Actors (NSA) NSAs can be involved in the EAC and Awareness Creation in integration process: by seeking EAC Integration observer status (the Treaty also specifies that not every CSO The Kenya country study will qualify for observer status); proposed some strategies that and through participation in could be used in raising the consultative forums that include currently low levels of awareness a broader array of stakeholders of various aspects of current EAC such as the private sector and integration process among the different interest and community Kenyans, as much as it would groups. It is , however, that the do the same with respect to the mechanisms that provided for possible low levels of awarenes NSA involvement needed to among most citizens in all the be reformed so that they may other EAC member states. These be more effective in facilitating would include: greater citizen participation in EAC integration resulting 1. Involving Non-State Actors partly from greater collaboration (NSA) to promote awareness between the private sector and among the people; civil society components of the 2. Strengthening NSA/CSOs NSAs. Overall, though, the study to ensure inter-country maintains that the NSAs, such as coordination; the Kenya Chapter of the regional

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 35 VEAF, need to be more proactive that must be obtained for the EAC in seeking to engage with the institutions to deliver; and these decision making organs of the include: EAC as presently constituted. ➢ Member State Leaders ceding 3.3 Towards Effective and more powers to the EAC Efficient Institutions for Secretariat; Regional Integration: The ➢ Ensuring EAC is provided Case of EAC with adequate financial and human resources, This component of the Kenya ➢ Ensuring EAC is provided country research highlighted the with adequate legal mandates; importance of having effective ➢ Ensuring EAC has clear and efficient institutions that membership and compliance will enable achievement of rules; the overall goals of the East ➢ Ensuring EAC has transparent African integration since the decision-making processes; first EAC collapsed in 1977 due and to ineffective and inefficient➢ Ensuring integration has institutions. The reasons that closer institutional linkages led to the collapse of first EAC (national and regional) to included ideological and political help strengthen over-arching differences, centralization of regional institutions. power within the EAC authority, and lack of political will among The study further teases out member states. the criteria that may help in measuring the extent to which the The study thus argues for the institutions function effectively as need for effective and efficient regards to the EAC integration. institutional functioning to ensure These criteria would include successful integration. It further having: highlights certain underpinnings

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 36 in the East African Community Integration Process • Clearly spelt-out goals and reforms. Lastly, the institutions objectives in terms of their need to be granted more legal clarity, prioritization and clout for ably discharging their capacity for implementation; respective mandates as stipulated • A facilitative organisational in the various treaty and protocol culture; provisions. • A rational organisational structure and process; 3.4 Democratization of • Ability to acquire the needed Regional Economic Schemes resources to facilitate its in the EAC operations; • Ability to satisfy all of its The final component of the strategic constituencies both Kenyan research highlights the internal and external; importance of having democratic • Ability to adjust and respond institutions in the EAC for it to to dynamic changes and realize the main objectives. It requirements of and in its reiterates the need to adhere to environment; among others. universally acceptable principles Most of EAC institutions cannot of democracy, rule of law, meet the above criteria, and as observance of human rights, and such cannot function effectively social justice as preconditions for and efficiently in pursuing the admission of new members. This objectives of EAC regional section of the study emphasises integration. The study stresses the need to provide a platform for the need for more effective people in general and non-state and efficient institutions toactors in particular, to participate complement EAC’s market-driven in both policy and legal decision- and people-centred regional making that is informed by, and integration. More significantly, informs the integration process. there is need for deeper Here, the study noted with institutional innovation and

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 37 dismay that discussions of the principles by stating that member East African regional integration states will, in all their domestic have largely focused on the formal and foreign dealings, adhere to : structures and institutions of the “… good governance including new EAC, while paying very little adherence to the principles attention to the democratization of democracy, the rule of law, of the Community. accountability, transparency, social justice, equal opportunities, One of the key concerns of the gender equality, as well as the research findings relates to worries recognition, promotion and over the different democratic protection of human and people’s traditions of the political systems rights in accordance with the in the three founding East provisions of the African Charter African countries and the two on Human and Peoples’ Rights recent entrants into the EAC (Article 6 (d).” club. These differences have direct implications on the EAC regional It is on this basis that the study economic and political systems. emphasizes the need for the For instance, while Kenya and utilization of country level Tanzania have multiparty political alternatives in the bid to achieve systems, Uganda runs a movement fuller participation of the people political system, while Rwanda in the integration process. There and Burundi have multiparty is also need to incorporate political systems that entrench women, youth groups, NSAs, and power sharing because they have other interest groups in the EAC just emerged from protracted agenda as these have an important violent ethnic conflicts. More role to play in the integration needs to be done to build of the process. This not only addresses laudable Treaty provisions that the concern of a market-driven explicitly embraces democratic process, but also the centrality

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 38 in the East African Community Integration Process of people’s voice in the EAC nurture East African identity, integration. unity and collaboration; (d) Streamline and strengthen the Based on the Kenya country mandates and capacities of study, this section of this regional organs for efficiency; VEAF research monograph (e) Create a common platform in concludes by highlighting the conceptualizing development necessary intervention measures and democratic processes by needed to further deepen ensuring the inalienable right the democratization of EAC of individuals to participate integration. Among the most by means of free, credible and important is the need to develop democratic procedures; a system that will allow for open (f) Involve and take advantage elections of members of the EALA of the huge reservoir of the by the people, something that has Diaspora by providing a the potential of enhancing popular conducive social, economic awareness and participation and political environment that among the East Africans people. will tap into their expertise Other recommendations in this in building the regional regard include the need to: economies; (g) Encourage partnership (a) Develop necessary guidelines in fighting terrorism and and structural mechanisms intelligence-sharing in for the attainment of political containing crime; federation; (h) Institutionalize wider (b) Harmonize best practices and inclusive stakeholder in institutionalization and participation; capacity building in promoting (i) Develop a regional participatory governance, media house that would rule of law and protection of report, educate, highlight people’s rights; opportunities and create (c) Encourage programs that truly clearer awareness among the people;

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 39 (j) Promote peace, security and 3.5 Insights derived from stability as a prerequisite for Kenya country study the implementation of the regional development and At the VEAF study results democratic agenda since the dissemination conferences scourge of conflicts in the mentioned earlier, members region constitutes a major of the VEAF from all the five impediment to the socio- EAC member states drew some economic development of the key insights from the findings region; of the Kenya country study (k) Facilitate the development discussed at length in this section of vibrant civil society of this Monograph First, it was organizations at the national, observed that in order to achieve sub-regional and regional an integrated East African levels. Community, there was need for the crafting of a special democratic In this connection, NSAs need institution that will involve all the to seize the moment to directly NSAs and whose main task would or indirectly engage in the be to champion the interests of integration process—without the private and informal sectors waiting to be invited either by in the EAC integration process. Second, the NSAs had to strive the regional body or individual to empower the people through member states—to help shape awareness programs meant to the regional agenda. All in all, educate all East Africans on the there is need to create trust benefits of EAC integration and among the East Africans, as well how the integration process was as further broaden the demand progressing. This is because the for the greater democratization Kenya country study provided of the integration processes at the evidence to the effect that most regional as well as country levels. of Kenya, and possibly most East Africans, hardly knew what the

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 40 in the East African Community Integration Process EAC integration was and what thus making the body more it entailed. Once the people are democratic. This will provide a aware, they can be involved democratic counter to the current directly by participating in situation that is characterized pressurizing the leaders to adhere by power being exclusively to “the timely attainment of the concentrated in the offices of the integration milestones as enshrined presidents of the EAC member in the Treaty for the Establishment countries. of the East African Community and accompanying protocols,” as With efficient and effective the VEAF Launch Communiqué institutions at the regional level, expresses the sentiment. there is bound to be major economic and social benefits to Third, and finally, it was observed the entire East African community that the EALA ought to be a true both in the informal and private representation of the people, sector. This will also promote rather than being a representation good regional relations, as well of member countries’ parliaments. enhanced peaceful co-existence. The people should vote directly for their EALA representatives,

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 41 4 Conclusion and recommendations7

4.1 Synthesis of the findings other in Arusha in October 2012, drawn from five country helped the VEAF membership to studies appreciation of what the concept of citizen participation in EAC The discussion of the findings of integration processes implies, the two detailed country studies, and why citizen participation is the Tanzania and Kenya country important. studies, whose summaries are presented in Section 2 and Section The overwhelming evidence from 3 of this monograph, together both the review of the relevant with discussion, of the Uganda, literature, and insights derived Rwanda and Burundi country from the focus group discussions reports, which was undertaken that were undertaken as part of at the two VEAF research the preparation of each of the five dissemination conferences country research reports, leads mentioned earlier, one in Dar es one to the conclusion that if we Salaam in September, 2012 and the are to guard against the attempt to ______establish the second EAC ending 7 The discussion in this section is based on a synthesis of the findings reported in all the five country research reports submitted up with collapse like the first one, by Dr. James Kasombo (2012), on behalf of the team of researchers the second EAC must endeavour commissioned by the VEAF - Kenya Chapter; Prof Bernadette Kilian, on behalf of the team of researchers commissioned by the VEAF - to stick to the terms of the 1999 Tanzania Chapter, Prof. Mwambutsya Ndebesa Patt , on behalf of the EAC Treaty. This meant that the team of researchers commissioned by the VEAF - Uganda Chapter, Mr. Ernest Ndayizeye, on behalf of the team of researchers commissioned second EAC must be nudged to by the VEAF - Burundi Chapter; and Mr. Alloys Mutabingwa, on move towards the attainment of behalf of the team of researchers commissioned by the VEAF - Rwanda Chapter. Findings of only two of the five country research an EAC political federation, which reports are presented in synopsis but at length in this Monograph; is a precondition of attaining the Tanzania country study that is summarized in Section 2 of this Monograph and the Kenya country study that is summarized in people-centred integration, as Section 3. The findings derived from the country studies on Uganda, opposed to merely market-driven Rwanda and Burundi are reflected in the discussion of the insights gained from the Tanzania and Kenya country studies as well as the free trade area integration of the conclusions and recommendations arrived at the proceedings of the ECOWAS or the first EAC market two research findings dissemination conferences at the Peacock Hotel in September 2012 in Dar es Salaam, and at the Kibo Palace Hotel in and state integration that excludes October, 2012, in Arusha; which were initially recorded by Frederick peoples/social integration. Fussi and Erasmo Nyika.

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 42 in the East African Community Integration Process As such, a people-centred • Big farmer and big farmers’ integration is the only antidote associations against the possible eventual • Women collapse of the second EAC for • Youth the same basic underlying reasons • Lawyers that led to the collapse, in 1977, of • Accountants the first EAC, i.e., “the continued • Journalists disproportionate sharing of • Teachers benefits of the Community• Students among the partner states due to • Travellers their differences in their levels • Faith-based leaders and actors of development and lack of • Artists, e.g., musicians, film adequate policies to address this actors/actresses, etc. situation” (1997 EAC Treaty). The five country studies also The five country research studies clarified what could be meant by shed light on what could be meant citizen participation. It was evident by citizens or people, who would that this would not be restricted determine the EAC being people- to what politicians in ruling centred. The list of who were EAC political parties and member citizens include: state government bureaucrats do, but would also include ordinary • Politician in political parties citizens who will benefit from • State bureaucrats EAC common services—e.g., • Big business executives, i.e., relatively cheaper and safer EAC Business Council railways/airways/road/water • Trade union leaders transport; food security through • Trade union rank and file trade in foodstuffs across borders; members free movement of peoples across • Small scale peasant farmer borders, etc. Citizen participation through cooperatives societies also includes the estimation of the • Pastoralists extent to which ordinary citizens

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 43 are being consulted by decision findings also provide a platform makers—e.g., by being accorded for disseminating, to a wider observer status at the sittings EAC audience, the importance of of decision makers—as well as enhancing citizen’s participation determining the extent to which in the implementation of the EAC ordinary citizen are allowed to integration if the 1999 EAC Treaty influence the EAC policy agenda, milestones are to be attained in a invariably by being permitted to timely manner. This monograph be members of these decision- constitutes the first opportunity making organs. One such for the VEAF to offer evidence- example is the extent to which based advice to the citizens of the leaders of the monolithic the EAC, and the senior staff of governing political parties EAC integration agencies, on how improve the representative-ness to improve possibilities for the of participants to EAC decision participation of citizens in the making organs provided for in EAC integration processes. 1999 EAC Treaty. Participants to the two research The findings of the five country findings dissemination studies, as synthesized in this conferences mentioned earlier monograph, do facilitate the offered a small set of the concrete enhancement of the common suggestions on how citizen understanding of the issue on participation may be enhanced. the extent to which citizens in These include: the various EAC member states have in the past participated, ➢ Working towards the and do now participate, in declaration of the 30th OF the making of decisions NOVEMBER, 1993, the relating to the conception and day the agreement for the implementation of the provisions formation of the Permanent of the 1999 EAC Treaty and Tripartite Commission for the related subsequent protocols. The for establishment of EAC was

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 44 in the East African Community Integration Process signed by the then President monograph will provide EAC of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, citizen, and their well-wishers, the then President of Kenya, an opportunity to engage in Mzee Arap Moi, and the more critical reflection on the then President of Tanzania, past and current obstacles to Mzee Ali Hassan Mwinyi citizens’ participation in regional in Arusha, Tanzania, in the integration process. Hopefully this presence of one of the most will occasion the generation, by persistent and convincing all concerned, of more insightful advocates of ‘Pan African’ possible solutions to the identified East African nationalism, obstacles to the enhancement Mwalimu Julius Kambarage of citizens’ participation in the Nyerere, as EAST AFRICA regional integration process. DAY. ➢ Undertaking more evidence- 4.2 Overall Conclusions and based advocacy for the Recommendations preparation, and adoption by referendum, of a draft The discussions in the above EA Political Federation sections confirm the key Constitution. assumptions that guided the ➢ Undertaking more evidence- undertaking of the five country based advocacy for adoption studies on the importance of and implementation of greater citizen participation in plan of action, linked to the EAC integration process. public-private partnership Although the findings of the arrangements, seeking to a Tanzania and Kenya country revival of the provision of studies are the ones discussed regional common services at length in Sections 2 and 3 with respect to air, sea, water, respectively, the conclusions made road and railway services. from the two studies apply, by and large, to the situation in the other It was suggested, finally, that this three countries: Uganda, Rwanda

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 45 and Burundi. The research partner states are supposed to dissemination conferences precede the implementation of facilitated the adoption of the every stage in the integration conclusions derived from the effort. two country studies by VEAF members drawn from all the five This synthesis of the five EAC member states. This VEAF country studies supports the Research Monograph is justified conclusions of Mangachi (2008) in presenting these conclusions that the original East African as those derived from the five Community traces its beginnings country studies. to undemocratic efforts that were inspired by neo-liberal market- The overall conclusions and led political and economic models recommendations presented in of development. The leadership this section were indeed adopted of the partner states was initially as applying to all the five member in the hands of British colonial states. Above all , the studies helps officials, and British settler and us appreciate the extent to which private corporate interests. The democratic deficit in past regional leadership role was later passed integration efforts contributed on to a selected African political to the failures of earlier EAC elites, many of whom shared integration initiatives, as well why models of political and economic current efforts to re-establish the development with the departing EAC have sought to be guided by colonial officials, as well as with good governance and democratic the British settler and corporate principles. The discussions of elite who remained behind even findings of the studies provide after the East African states evidence for appreciating the became independent. The main necessity of adhering to the objective of the integration efforts advice that the widest possible was to create a customs union, consultations and the building a common market, a monetary of common consensus in all the union, and a loose form of

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 46 in the East African Community Integration Process political cooperation that was wave that followed the collapse ultimately meant to serve the of e the former global socialist interests of a small segment of block, and the advent of the post- East African residents. It was cold war era ( ibid.:). Similar only Tanzania (when under the arguments are presented in the leadership of its first President, seminal work on globalization Mwalimu Julius Nyerere), and to by Rugumamu (2005) that a lesser extent Uganda (under its characterizes these contemporary first republican head of state, Dr. global developments as consisting Milton Obote), that continued to of “… the rise of the USA as the demand and work towards the sole military superpower and the greater democratization of the emergency of various nebulous integration effort. centres of economic power.” The world capitalist system is now The synthesis of the five country identified as globalization, and studies further support the neo-liberalism has been given a conclusions presented in the work new lease of life. In the long run, by Lwaitama (2012:218) observing the re-established East Africa that the extent to which measures Community can only survive to consolidate the re-established if it is people-centred and thus East Africa Community eschews operating within an enhanced continuing to draw inspiration democratic integration setting solely from economic integration capable of mounting an effective models that are not based on counterpoise to the dominant democratic principles will neo-liberal political and economic determine the possibility of vision for developing countries the Community surviving the promoted by the powerful global unfolding political changes in the neo-colonialist forces. relevant East African states. This line of thinking further argues The neo-liberal political and that these political changes are economic vision is awesome but inspired by the democratization not left uncontested; it invariably

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 47 finds expression in contradictory ideologies’ that are ‘not particularly states of affairs in most developing developmental” (loc cit.:). countries: pervasiveness of state failures and the rise of structural In order to counter-balance this militarism and impunity on the external influence on the political one end, and intensified struggles elite in the partner states, it is for greater democratization on the strongly argued that current other. The international climate is efforts aimed at implementing the characterized, by Prof Rugumamu various aspects of the 1999 Treaty ( opp.cit.:) by “… a multiple for the establishment of the East of external interests competing African Community need to be for geo-strategic dominance, oriented towards strengthening strategic mineral resources and the democratic elements in the cultural imperialism.” The current integration effort. Firstly, as all integration efforts in the region the Inter-Parliamentary Relations are thus taking place against the Seminars—popularly known backdrop of a “… struggle for as the Nanyuki Series—have economic influence and political repeatedly recommended, the control by the major European and parliamentarians in the EALA, North American capitalist powers.” apart from ex-officios, need to (loc cit.:) This struggle finds be elected; and the mandate of expression in persistent but subtle the EALA needs to be broadened pressures on the partner states to give it greater fiscal and to be predisposed towards “… policy-making clout. Also, the signing ‘blood-sucking’ contracts institutional and networking with international mineral capacities of the EALA need to be companies that originate from given a boost (Rugumamu, 2010). these very countries,” (loc cit.:) as Secondly, the EAC Secretariat well as pressure to be predisposed needs to be given a greater towards implementing “… executive brief, and its name conflict-prone, neo-liberalbe changed into that of an EAC economic policies, institutions and Commission. Moreover, is better to

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 48 in the East African Community Integration Process enable it—with EALA’s oversight, associations. In this regard, CSOs together with close political based in external development supervision from a Council of partners that have already taken Ministers team that is resident pioneering initiatives in this at the EAC Headquarters—to direction such as the Fredrich work more autonomously to Ebert Stiftung (FES) ought effect the integration measures to be encouraged to continue more efficiently. Thirdly, thefacilitating the development of East African Civil Society an East African Civil Society Organizations’ Forum (EACSOF), Mobilization Strategy ((Maina & need to be raised to a status Kopsieker, 2006; Baregu, 2008), of a special interest observer as well as the establishment of a constituency of the EALA, just as think-tank like the VEAF. should the East African Business Council (EABC). Fourthly, as The practical and philosophical recommended by the EACSOF “… challenges that the EAC faces, the operationalisation of the East and which require a greater African Court of Justice (EACJ) democratization of its operations, ought to be extended to include are best summarized in a speech handling of human rights cases by its former Secretary General brought before it and to institute when he pointed out that he was: best practices in the selection of the judges to the court” (EACSOF, “… totally sold to what the 2009). Fourthly, efforts must EAC Common Market can do be made to encourage greater to unlock the potential of our cooperation and networking economies. The economic benefits between all political parties will be huge, especially flowing in the member states (Baregu from trade in services and &Ally, 2010). Furthermore, like- shared human resource capacity. minded political formations Equally, the free movement of must be facilitated to form East capital would trigger incentives African-wide networks, or even for private equity funds to step

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 49 into our region and bringing contested and least used of the four down the cost of risk capital” freedoms in the EU single market? (Mwapachu, 2010). Do you also know that updating the regulations on co-ordination He, nevertheless, gave caution of social security systems in the EU “against constructing castles in required 11 years of negotiation?” the air like the Abu Nawas Fable” (ibid.). to the view that “realizing the full potential of the Common Market As Hellsten and Lwaitama (2004) will take years, not months” (ibid.). and Hellsten (2008) have correctly He pleaded with the media, as a observed, political parties and component of civil society, to non-governmental organizations, “galvanise political will as well as together with and through the the commitment of East African mass media, constitute critical citizens around shared integration institutions that are bound to goals” (ibid.). To emphasize the make a critical contribution in need for encouraging EAC citizens addressing the challenges of East to eschew what he has often Africa’s development ethics. These termed ‘zero-sum nationalism’ challenges are tragically reflected and take a ‘partial win, partial in the ‘traumatic experiences’ lose’ attitude to the pains and that characterized the genocidal gains of economic integration, mayhem in Rwanda in April 1994 he posed the following rhetorical (Amnesty International, 2008); questions: and more recently, the post- election violent civil unrest in “Do you know that after 18 years Kenya in December 2007. Political of the single market in Europe parties and non-governmental only 2.3% of Europeans live in organizations, as representatives a member state different from of civil society, are well positioned that of their nationality? Do you to play a key role in identifying know that freedom of movement and promoting shared values and of workers in the EU is the most the adoption of forward-looking

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 50 in the East African Community Integration Process solutions to contemporary social The individual country studies and economic injustices instead indicated the extent to which of preying on each ones fears the current EAC continued to and past mistrusts. (Hellsten, suffer from the lack of citizen 2002). These institutions, working participation in the EAC with a rejuvenated EALA, and integration process. The studies through a strengthened EALA’s reveal the categories of citizens Inter-Parliamentary Relations who are currently participating Seminar (the Nanyuki Series), in EAC integration processes, and are capable of helping East the categories of citizens whose African citizens and permanent participation is the least effect, if at residents to engage in “reflective all. The country research reports civic education and training.” have also shown the type/nature Hellsten and Lwaitama (2004). of participation of the various This may assist them to begin to categories of citizens. The official break out of the “viscous circle and non-official spaces through that integrates ethnically and which citizen participation takes tribally based power politics and place, or may take place, have unfair resources distribution,” been discussed at length in the ( Hellsten, 2002) within and Tanzania and Kenya reports. across the EAC member states (Lwaitama, 2012:218).

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 51 References

Amnesty International (2008). Dunheved, G., (1961), Julius State of the World’s Human Nyerere: A Biography, Dar es Rights: Rwanda, http://thereport. Salaam: Tanganyika Information amnesty.org/eng/regions/africa/ Services. rwanda EACSOF, (2009). East African Baregu, M. (2007). TheCivil Society Organizations’ Federation of East Africa and the Forum (EACSOF) 2009 Annual Imperatives of Political Unity. A Report: The 2009 Governing Key-note address delivered to the Council Report presented to ‘Conference on Capacity Building the General Assembly at the 4th for fast-tracking the East African Annual Forum 2010, 22nd -23rd Common market organized by April 2010, Snowcrest Hotel, CUTS International, Nairobi 29th Arusha, Tanzania -30th January, 2007. Gunther, R., & L. Diamond, Baregu, M., & B. Ally, (2010), (2001), “Types and functions of “Political Parties in the East parties,” in: L. Diamond, & R. African Integration Process,” Gunther (eds.), Political Parties African Journal of Public Affairs, and Democracy, London: Johns Vol. 3 No. 1: pp33-54. Hopkins University Press.

Basedau, M., & A. Stroh, Hellsten, S.K., (2002), “The State (2008), “Measuring Party of Rule of Law and Human Rights Institutionalization in Developing in East Africa- Political, Legal and Countries: A New Research Social Development in Tanzania,” Instrument Applied to 28 African in S. Yahya-Othman (ed.), Politics. Political Parties,” German Institute Governance and Co-operation in of Global and Area Studies, East Africa, Dar es Salaam: Mkuki Working Paper No. 69. na Nyota Publishers.

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 52 in the East African Community Integration Process —, S.K., (2008), “Failing states 2011. Dar es Salaam Friedrich and ailing leadership in African Ebert Stiftung, pp.210-218. politics in the era of globalization: Libertarian communitarianism Maina P., & F. Kopsieker (eds.), and the Kenyan experience,” (2006) Political Succession in East Journal of Global Ethics, Vol. 4 Africa, Nairobi and Kampala: No. 2: 155-166. Kituo cha Katiba and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. Hellsten, S.K. & A.F. Lwaitama, (2004) Civic Ethics Handbook Makulilo, A.B. (2010) State- for Development: Ethics and party and democracy: Tanzania Reflective Civic Skills forand Zambia in Comparative Democracy, Dar es Salaam: Perspective. PhD Thesis. Oxford University Press. University of Leipzig, Germany.

Kiragu, K., & R.S. Mukandala, Makulilo, A.B. & C. Raphael (2005), Politics and Tactics in (2010). The October 2010 General Public Sector Reforms: TheElections in Tanzania. Election Dynamics of Public Service Pay Monitoring Report, www.ifra. in Africa, Dar es Salaam: Dar es nairobi.net/observatatorie Salaam University Press. Mangachi, M.W., (2008), “African LaPalombara, J., & M. Weiner Regional Integration: The Case (eds.), (1966), Political Parties and of East Africa (1948-2000),” PhD Political Development, Princeton, dissertation, School Graduate NJ: Princeton University Press. Studies, Addis Ababa University.

Lwaitama, A.F.( 2012) “ Towards a Mmuya, M., (1998) Tanzania more Democratic EAC,” in Youth, Political Reform in Eclipse: Crises Democracy and Legal Reform and Cleavages in Political Parties, Processes: Articles from FES Friedrick Ebert Stiftung. Political Handbooks 2013, 2012,

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 53 Mukandala, R. & B. Killian, Odhiambo, M., (2010), “Towards (2004), “Political Cooperation Greater Civil Society Participation in East Africa,” in S.S. Mushi, R. in the East African Community: Mukandala & S. Yahya-Othman Challenges and Prospects” (eds.), Democracy and Social Consultancy Report, SIDA. Transformation in East Africa, Dar es Salaam: REDET. Qvortrup, M., (2002), A Comparative Study of Mwapachu, J.V., (2002) “Global Referendums: Government by the Trade Agendas: What Challenges People, Manchester University for Africa?” The Dar Graduate, Press. Journal of the University of Dar es Salaam Convocation, Vol. 3 New Rugumamu, S., (2005), Series. Globalization Demystified: —, (2010), Speech by the Secretary Toward Africa’s Possible General of the EAC on the Development Futures, Dar es Occasion of the Commissioning Salaam: Dar es Salaam University of the new Printing Press and Press. the Celebration of 10 years of —, (2010) “Parliamentary the Founding of Mwananchi Networking as an Instrument of Communications Limited, Dar Capacity Building: Evidence from bes Salaam, 30th July, 2010. East Africa,” African Journal of Public Affairs, Vol. 3 No. 1: 20-32. National Election Commission of Tanzania (NEC) (2010) Interim Sehm- Patomaki, K., & M. Report on 2010 General Election Ulvila (eds.), (2006), Democratic Results. Dar es Salaam: National Politics Globally: Elements of Election Commission of Tanzania a Dialogue on Global Political Nyirabu, M., (2011) “The Past, Formations, Tampere, Finland: Present and Future of Integration Network Institute for Global in East Africa,” African Integration Democratization (NIGD) Review, Vol. 5, No. 1.

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 54 in the East African Community Integration Process Synovate-Tanzania (2010). Tanzania’s 2010 general Elections. Tanzania media election coverage Dar es Salaam: Tanzania Election September 2010. Dar es Salaam: Monitoring Committee Synovate-Market Research ( TEMCO) &Media Monitoring Thames, F., (2007), “Discipline Tanzania Election Monitoring and Party Institutionalization in Committee (TEMCO) (2011) A Post-Soviet legislatures,” Party Report on the Performance of Politics, 13(4): 456–477.

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 55 Jukwaa la Dira Afrika Mashariki (Vision East Africa Forum)

Taarifa Maalumu

TUKIAFIKI lengo la kuendelea na mchakato wa kuunganisha Afrika Mashariki;

TUKIKUBALI kuwepo haja ya ushahidi wa kutokana na utafiti kuwa msingi wa maamuzi katika mchakato wa kuunganisha Afrika Mashariki ;

BAADA ya kutafari kwa kina na kukubaliana juu ya umuhimu wa kuazisha jukwaa litakalo kuwa na lengo la kuibua na kuhabarisha juu ya ushahidi wa kutokana na utafiti na maoni yatokanyo na tafakuri jadidi:

Sisi, wananchi husika kutoka nchi tano zinazounda Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki waliokutana leo tarehe 5 Oktoba 2011, tumeamua kuunda jukwaa litakalo julikana kama “ Jukwaa la Dira Afrika Mashariki” (Vision East Africa Forum). Sisi, wanachama wa jukwaa, tunakubaliana kuwa jukwaa litaongozwa na vidhaminiwa, misingi, na taratibu za utendaji zifuatazo:

1. Kufikiwa lengo la kundwa Shirikisho la Afrika Mashariki litakalo ongozwa na misingi mikuu ya demokrsia, haki, usawa, na kuheshimiwa kwa utu, haki na uhuru;

2. Kufikiwa kwa wakati malengo yote ya kuunganisha Afrika Mashariki kama yalivyoainishwa katika Mkataba wa Uazishwaji wa Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki na makubaliono mengine yote yatokanayo;

3. Jukwaa litakuwa ni tanuru la tafakuri litakalo tafakari kwa kina na kuimiza kukubalika kwa dhana ya mchakato ulio rafiki wa watu wote wa kuunganisha Jumuia ya Afrika Mashariki ;

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 56 in the East African Community Integration Process 4. Uanachama wa jukwaa utakuwa wa mtu mmoja mmoja, mwenye mwelekeo wa kutafakari kwa kina na kufikiria kwa uhuru, aliye muumini na mwenye kufuatilia kwa karibu mchakato wa kuunganisha Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki, mwenye kutokana na lakini bila kuwa mwakilishi, wa asasi mbali mbali zisizo za kidola, ikiwa ni pamoja na asasi za kiraia, sekta binafsi na vyuo vikuu. Wanachama wa “Jukwaa la Dira Afrika Mashariki” (Vision East Africa Forum) wanatokana na matawi ya kitaifa ya jukwaa;

5. Kila nchi mwanachama wa Afrika Mashariki itaazisha jukwaa la kitaifa lililozingatia mazingira maalumu ya nchi mwanachama husuka;

6. Kutakuwepo na chombo cha uratibu wa jukwaa ngazi ya Afrika Mashariki; na

7. Kwa muda huu, shirika la Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung litakuwa ndilo litakalotoa huduma za kiofisi, kama msaada, za chombo cha uratibu cha jukwaa ngazi ya Afrika Mashariki.

Tangazo lilisomwa kwa waandishi wa habari tarehe 6 Oktoba, 2011 na Dr. Kitila Mkumbo kwa niaba ya Jukwaa la Dira Afrika Mashariki

Kwa maelezo zaidi tafadhali wasiliana na mtoa huduma za kiofisi wa jukwaa: Dkt. Stefan Chrobot, Mkurugenzi Mtendaji, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung-Tanzania

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 57 Vision East Africa Forum

Communiqué

REAFFIRMING our commitment to the East African integration process;

RECOGNIZING the need for evidence based decision making to inform the East Africa integration process;

HAVING deliberated and agreed upon the need to establish a forum of generating and disseminating such evidence and informed opinion:

We, concerned individuals of the five East African Community member countries meeting today, 5 October 2011, have resolved to form a forum hereby known as the “Vision East Africa Forum”. We, the members of the forum, agree that the forum will be guided by the following values, principles and operational procedures:

1. Attainment of the East African federation founded on the fundamental democratic principles, social justice, equality and respect for peoples dignity, rights and freedoms;

2. Timely attainment of the integration milestones as enshrined in the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community and accompanying protocols;

3. The forum shall be a think tank for critical reflection on and advocacy for a people-centered East African Community integration process;

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 58 in the East African Community Integration Process 4. The membership of the forum shall comprise individual, critical and independent thinkers with keen interest in the East African Community integration process, primarily drawn from, but not necessarily, representing a broad arena of non-state actors, including civil society organizations, private sector and academia. The members of the Vision East Africa Forum are drawn from national chapters;

5. Each East African Community member country shall constitute a national chapter appropriate to the country context;

6. There shall be a regional coordinating mechanism and

7. In the interim, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung shall provide Secretariat support to the regional coordinating team.

**This was signed and presented to the Press on 6th October, 2011 by Dr. Kitila Mkumbo on behalf of the Vision East Africa Forum

**** See the photograph of the founding members of the Forum and their well-wishers next page that was taken immediately after the launch of Forum by the Secretary General of the East African Community, Dr. Richard Sezibera

For more information contact: The Secretariat of Vision East Africa Forum Dr Stefan Chrobot, Resident Director, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Tanzania

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens in the East African Community Integration Process 59 Communiqué & Photo at Launch

Members of the Vision East Africa Forum (VEAF) posing for a photograph immediately after the forum’s launch in October 2011 at the Arusha Kibo Palace Hotel.

Seated are: Hon. Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera, the EAC Secretary General (3rd right); Hon. Samuel Sitta, Tanzanian minister for East Africa Co-operation (3rd left); others are Hon. Mike Sebalu, Ugandan based EALA member (left); Dr. Stefan Chrobot, former FES-Tanzania Resident Director (2nd left);Ms. Gloria Mafole (Tanzania) (2nd right); and Dr. Kitila Mkumbo (Tanzania)(right).

Standing from left are: Khalid Mlanga (FES-Tanzania programme officer); Ms. Emilia Siwingwa (Tanzania); Ms. Andrea Cordes (FES Tanzania former office manager); Mr. Henry Kasacca (FES Uganda former program officer); Ms. Eunice Musiime (Uganda); GIZ Representative; Mr. Lawrence Ezekiel (Tanzania); Mr. Willis Othieno (Kenya); Hon. Abdulkarim Harelimana (Rwandan based EALA member); Mr. Clement Onyango (Kenya); Hon. Amb. Oliver Wonekha (Uganda- Ugandan ambassador designate to the United States); Mr. Kennedy Masime (Kenya); Mr. Stephen Asimwe (Uganda); Dr. Azaveli Lwaitama (Tanzania); Mr. Stefan Plenk( Germany); Prof. Mwambutsya Ndebesa (Uganda); Prof. Liboire Kagabo (Burundi) and Mr. Steve Machage (Office of EAC Secretary General)

A Synthesis Research Report on the Participation of Citizens 60 in the East African Community Integration Process

About FES The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) was founded in 1925 as a political legacy of Germany´s first democratically elected president, Friedrich Ebert. Ebert, a Social Democrat from a humble craftsman background rose to hold the highest political office in his country. In response to his own painful experiences in overcoming social barriers of his time, he proposed the establishment of a foundation to pursue the following aims: t furthering political and social education of individuals from all walks of life in the spirit of democracy and pluralism, t facilitating access to university education and research for gifted young people by providing scholarships, t contributing to international understanding and cooperation. The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, banned by the Nazis in 1933 and re-established in 1947, continues to pursue these aims in all its extensive activities. As an independent, non-profit, political founda- tion, it is committed to the ideas and basic values of social democracy.

Solidarity, Peace and Social Democracy Global partner – the international work of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung The guiding principles of the international work of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) are to pro- mote democracy and development worldwide, contribute to peace and security, help shape glo- balization in a socially just way and support the widening and deepening of the European Union. Through projects in over 100 countries the FES has been actively involved in the development and consolidation of civil society and state structures for promoting democracy and social justice, strong and free trade unions, human rights and gender equality. In addition to its core endeavor of promoting democracy in individual countries, the Friedrich- Ebert-Stiftung is increasingly working on global and regional issues. Its focus areas are the wi- dening and deepening of the European integration process, further developing the transatlantic relationship and reforming systems of global governance. The dialogue between different societal actors, between different cultures and social models, between North and South, EU countries and candidate countries and international institutions is indispensable, especially for stabilizing fragile social and state structures and for finding solutions to cross-cutting regional and global issues. With its worldwide network of offices and partners the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung has a range of instruments at its disposal that allow it to make a sub- stantial contribution to these debates and to organize and propel this dialogue process at various levels. The global network of the political partners of the FES provides a forum for sharing and lear- ning. The partners include traditional parties and trade unions, non-governmental organizations, academic and policy think tanks as well as governmental institutions (such as parliaments and ministries).

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung P.O. Box 4472 North-South Dialogue: Julius Kawawa Road Plot No. 397 Nyerere, former President of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania the United Republic of Tanza- Telephone: 255-22 2668575 / nia and Willy Brandt, former Chancellor of the Federal 2668786 Republic of Germany Fax: 255-22 2668669 Mobile: 0754-884485 WILLY BRANDT: E-Mail: [email protected] „International co-operation is http://www.fes-tanzania.org far too important to be left to governments alone.“

ISBN4: 978-9987-22-064-9978-9987-22-059-5