Account for the collapse of the East African Community in 1977.

 The East African Community (EAC) was an intergovernmental organization established in 1967 by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The EAC aimed to foster economic cooperation and integration among the three East African countries.

The collapse of the East African Community (EAC) in 1977 was due to a combination of political, economic, and social factors. Here are some key reasons:

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.

Despite its collapse in 1977, the EAC was later revived, and efforts continue to strengthen regional integration and cooperation among East African countries.

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Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science