The East African Federation (1967-77) (objectives and reasons for its failure)

The idea of an East African Federation dates back to the early 20th century, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that serious efforts were made to establish it. In the 1920s, there were discussions and proposals for a political union among the East African territories, primarily driven by the need for economic development and administrative efficiency.

Key Points:

• Early Proposals: In the 1920s, there were proposals for a federation of East African territories, including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika (now Tanzania).
• Economic Coordination: There were efforts to coordinate common services such as railways, customs, and postal services among these territories.
• Political Union Advocacy: European settlers in Kenya and colonial administrators supported the idea of a political union to facilitate economic development.

However, these early attempts did not result in the formation of a federation. It wasn’t until the formation of the East African Community (EAC) in 1967 that the idea of regional integration gained more traction, eventually leading to the modern-day discussions about the East African Federation.

The East African Community (1967-77)

The East African Community (EAC) was established in 1967 as a regional intergovernmental organization aimed at promoting economic, social, and political integration among its member states. The founding members were Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Objectives of East African Community (1967-77)

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

1. Promote Trade:

• Common Market: Create a common market for goods and services, allowing free movement and reducing trade barriers among member states.
• Reduced Taxes: Implement fair and reduced taxes on goods to facilitate trade.

2. Economic Cooperation:

• 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Encourage Interstate Trade:

• Free Movement: Encourage interstate trade by removing internal duties (taxes) between the East African countries.
• Market Access: Provide ready markets for goods produced within the region.

6. Foreign Trade and Investment:

• Attract Investment: Attract foreign trade and investment due to the expanded markets.
• Common Tariff: Institute a common tariff in international trade.

7. Monetary Integration:

• Common Currency: Work towards creating a common monetary unit for East Africa.

These objectives were aimed at fostering economic growth, political stability, and regional unity among the member states. The EAC of 1967 laid the groundwork for future efforts towards regional integration, which continue to this day with the modern East African Community.

Key Institutions and Services:

• East African Development Bank (EADB): Established to finance development projects in the region.
• East African Railways and Harbours: Provided transportation services across the member states.
• East African Airways: Managed air transport services.
• East African Court of Appeal: Served as the judicial body for the community.

Reasons for the collapse of East African Community of 1967-77

The East African Community (EAC) of 1967 collapsed in 1977 due to several 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.

 

Re-establishment:

The EAC was re-established in 2000, with the signing of a new treaty that aimed to revive and strengthen regional integration efforts. The modern EAC now includes Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda, with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia as recent additions.

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Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science