Deputy Minister for East African Cooperation Abdallah Abdallah has called for solid regional integration that requires upholding the principles of good governance, the rule of law, access to justice, democracy, transparency, accountability and social justice within the East African Community (EAC) region.

The deputy minister said this in Dar es Salaam recently, when opening a three-day workshop of regional validation of the EAC research papers, which provided an opportunity for key stakeholders to verify the finding and make inputs for further improvement of research papers.

“Poor implementation of good governance principles has caused conflict and political unrest in many African states because of unconstitutional changes of government and lack of democratic practices in some countries,” he said.

He explained that bad governance had also been contributed by lack of determination in governance, inequality in access to resources and non-adherence to internationally acceptable standards in the promotion of human rights.

He said the government through the Ministry of East Africa Cooperation had adopted a sensitisation programme with a view to raising awareness among Tanzanians and other East Africans on the EA integration processes.

“The EAC has got political support at the highest level in the country,” he assured the gathering.

In concluding his remarks, he told the audience that Tanzania was committed to supporting and upholding good governance in EAC integration processes.

He reiterated the country’s stance that economic integration could be successful only if appropriate levels of political integration were in place.

The deputy minister noted that although EAC Partner States supported the development of EAC Protocol on good governance, being political players and technocrats, they were keen on seeing that regional policy instruments were not in conflict with national constitutions.

He said: “This has been a contentious issue but the Partner States are committed to promoting as well as upholding good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights”.

He further concluded by emphasising that good governance was a prerequisite for successful regional integration and the sustenance of peace and security in the region.

For her part, EAC deputy secretary-general (Political Federation) Beatrice Kiraso said harmonisation was important because any crisis in one corner of East Africa countries affected the other member states, therefore, support was needed.

She expressed concern that the secretariat was not getting enough support from relevant government departments and ministries on negotiations and adoption of regional policies to promote good governance.

“The need for minimum standard cannot be overemphasised,” he said, cautioning that the EAC integration was beyond governments whereas it involved all East Africans most who were not in government. Kiraso further stressed that regional standards once adopted and agreed upon would go a long way in holding the leadership accountable to citizens and to each other.

By DAVID KISANGA, The Guardian

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