The East African Community of 1967 – objectives, failures and dissolution

The East African Community (EAC) of 1967 was an intergovernmental organization established by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda shortly after they gained independence. The primary aim was to foster economic cooperation and integration across East Africa1. This was one of the earliest attempts at regional integration in Africa.

Objectives of the East African Community of 1967

The East African Community (EAC) of 1967 had several key objectives aimed at promoting regional integration and cooperation among its member states, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

1. Economic Cooperation

• Common Market: Create a common market for goods and services, allowing free movement and reducing trade barriers among member states.
• Industrial Development: Strengthen and regulate industrial and commercial relations to exploit the expanded market.
• Balanced Development: Accelerate harmonious and balanced development of economic activities, ensuring equitable benefits for all member states.

2. Political Unity

• Unity and Cooperation: Promote unity, cooperation, and goodwill among the people of East Africa.
• Political Stability: Foster political stability and security in the region.

3. Common Services

• Shared Services: Establish common services such as railways, harbors, posts and telecommunications, airways, and scientific research.
• Headquarters: Set up headquarters for these services in strategic locations within the member states.

4. Encourage Interstate Trade

• Free Movement: Encourage interstate trade by removing internal duties (taxes) between the East African countries.

Challenges of the East African Community of 1967

The East African Community (EAC) of 1967 faced several challenges that eventually led to its dissolution in 1977.

1. Personal Differences among Leaders: Personal conflicts between East African leaders, particularly between Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere and Ugandan President Idi Amin, created significant tensions. Nyerere refused to recognize Amin as Uganda’s leader and refused to sit with him, which hindered the functioning of the EAC.
2. Ideological Differences: The member countries had different economic ideologies. Tanzania pursued socialism, Kenya followed capitalism, and Uganda had a mixed economy. These ideological differences made it difficult to plan and implement cohesive policies.
3. Political Instability: Changes in leadership, such as the overthrow of Idi Amin in Uganda and the departure of Julius Nyerere in Tanzania, disrupted the stability and continuity of the integration process.
4. Economic Disparities: The three countries were at different levels of economic development. Kenya, with more industries, benefited more from the EAC, leading to resentment from Uganda and Tanzania. This economic imbalance contributed to the collapse.
5. Trade and Communication Issues: Poor trade relations and inadequate communication networks between Uganda and Tanzania further strained the EAC. The lack of good communication infrastructure made trade difficult and hindered cooperation.
6. Financial Mismanagement: Kenya’s use of customs revenue belonging to the EAC without proper allocation led to accusations of malpractice. This financial mismanagement caused further distrust among the member states.
7. Foreign Influence: External influences, particularly from the USA and Britain, played a role in the collapse. These countries were concerned that a strong EAC would reduce their influence in the region and worked to undermine the community.
8. National Interests: Each member state prioritized its national interests over the collective goals of the EAC, leading to a lack of trust and cooperation. This lack of commitment to the EAC’s goals weakened the organization and contributed to its eventual collapse.
9. Production of similar good: This made integration irrelevant since these countries were competing for common market and raw materials. Mutual benefit did not exist.
10. Lack of potential leaders: The EAC lacked a strong institutional framework and leadership to enforce the provisions of the treaty and resolve disputes effectively.
11. Lack of common language: Tanzania preferred Kiswahili, Uganda – English while Kenya – both. This caused misunderstanding and collapse of EAC.
12. Opposition from African leaders: For instance Kabaka Mutesa II was advocating for secession of Buganda as opposed to unitary system of the British. Obote reasoned “It is futile to think of external problem amidst internal problem” while Nyerere observed “I better be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond.” These ideas undermined the idea of East African Federation.
13.  Impact of World War II: influenced by World War II, African Nationalists advocated for independence of separate states like that achieved in Asia.
14. The desire to unite Tanganyika with Zanzibar. Despite being a good idea Kenya and Uganda opposed it leading to mistrust.

These challenges, combined with the lack of political will and commitment to regional integration, ultimately led to the dissolution of the EAC in 1977. However, the vision of regional cooperation remained alive, leading to the revival of the EAC in 2000 with expanded membership and renewed goals.

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Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science