Why EAC CSOs should borrow a leaf from EU counterparts

Arusha. Head of Economics and Governance for the European Union in Tanzania, Ms. Karina Dzialowska, has highlighted the valuable lessons that the European Union's Civil Society Organizations could offer to their counterparts in the EAC about regional integration. 

She emphasized that while each integration movement is unique, the experiences of EU CSOs—particularly regarding the movement of people, goods, and services, known as the "fourth freedom"—provide significant insights. 

“These movements often lead to substantial disruptions in labor markets and the broader economy. Understanding how EU CSOs have addressed these challenges can equip EAC CSOs with strategies to manage similar issues effectively” Ms. Dzialowska noted during the EAC CSOs forum recently.

Permanent Secretary Ministry in charge of EAC Affairs, Mr Mohamed Fatiir, underscored the importance of region CSOs in terms of building a prosperous and united EAC, saying CSOs represent and connect the individuals who drive regional integration. 

“As a government, we commend and support the CSOs to continue their excellent work for the greater good of our region."

Mr. Fatiir, told the CSOs who gathered to discuss EAC integration process in Mogadishu in Somalia recently.

The PS said that becoming part of EAC for Somalia means linking the coastline with other two member states of Kenya and Tanzania. 

Under the through the Leveraging Integration Frameworks for Trade in Services and Civil Society Organizations in the EAC (LIFTED) initiative, CSOs from the bloc’s Partner States gathered for the first time to discuss regional integration issues. 

“We have been given this opportunity to be heard, and we should seize it to present our views, concerns, and issues that will help us advance the regional integration agenda, said Ms. Elizabeth Adak Maluak, Executive Secretary, Office of the Under Secretary, MEACA, Republic of South Sudan.

The series of meetings held between September and December 2024, the meetings sought to explore opportunities and address challenges involved in the EAC integration process.

In collaboration with academia and the private sector, over 230 CSO networks, representing thousands of members and the interests of millions throughout the EAC region, participated in national dialogues across all eight Partner States. 

The gatherings established platforms for discussing CSO operations within each state in coordination with relevant Ministries. 

Additionally, they facilitated the exchange of experiences among CSOs, resulting in the strengthening and formation of local chapters of the East African Civil Society Organizations’ Forum (EACSOF) in several countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The focus of these meetings was on fostering supportive national and regional policies and legislative frameworks for CSO engagement in EAC integration. 

Participants assessed the current level of CSO involvement in regional integration, identified challenges and opportunities, and developed strategies to enhance CSO participation. 

This included a commitment to the existing EAC Consultative Dialogue Frameworks for CSOs and other non-state actors, recognized as a crucial tool for boosting CSO involvement in EAC regional integration matters.

Principal Gender and Community Development and Stakeholder Engagement Officer at EAC, Ms. Generose Minani, said national dialogues and praised Partner State CSOs for initiating the first regional meetings. 

She noted that these efforts would help define citizens' roles in the EAC integration and ensure it remains truly people-centered. 

Ms. Minani urged CSOs to channel public concerns to the EACS, highlighting various available avenues, including the current Secretary General’s forum, a dedicated people's platform.