EAC treaty signed

The three East African countries, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania signed a treaty last week establishing a new East African Community (EAC) with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. The treaty covers regional cooperation in political, economic, social, cultural, security and legal matters. So far, the priority is being accorded to economic cooperation which is expected to provide a basis for political cooperation in future, AC spokesman Magaga Alot told IRIN. The treaty which contains 153 articles has 29 chapters stipulating, among other issues, cooperation in rade liberalisation, finance, infrastructure, development of human resources, science and technology. Other chapters are on free movement of persons, labour and services, enhancing the role of women in socio-economic development, cooperation in investment and industrial development, the private sector and civil society. It also touches on areas such as agriculture, natural resources, wildlife and tourism, health, political and judicial affairs. Magaga said the treaty envisages the establishment of a Customs Union as the entry point of the Community, a common market, a monetary union and ultimately a political federation of the three states.