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01.11.2010 :: Interaction between the people of Eastern Africa
Interaction between the people of Eastern Africa was there before the advent of colonialism. It was formalized, strengthened during the colonial period and got a shot in the Arm after the independence of the three countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, when the three countries formed the East African Community (EAC) in 1967. This interaction continues to take place especially in areas of infrastructure and trade with the neighboring countries of Ethiopian, Southern Sudan, Eastern Congo and others.

Although the East African Community is formally among the five countries of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda in reality and to interest, investors to the region, the large market Covers Eastern Congo, Southern Sudan, Southern Ethiopia and others.

This is largely due to the geographic terrain and access to the Sea. For example it is very difficult to transport goods, from Matadi on the Atlantic Ocean to the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is much easier to do so from East Africa through the ports of Mombasa and Dar-es-salam on the Indian Ocean.The same applies to Southern Sudan and Eastern part of Zambia. Although the population of the East African Community market is about 110 million people, the real available population to the investor, local and foreign are well over 150 million people with abundant resources, and a variety of climates from warm coastal to temperate and high multitude. It has a long coast, numerous fresh waters, big and small rivers for leisure resorts, and Agriculture production.

The main thrust of regional integration is to generate wealth raise the standards and quality of life by creating a sizeable market in order to attract and retain meaningful and serious domestic and foreign investors.This is enhanced by cooperation in the areas of Defense and Security to have a peaceful and secure environment, macra economic stability, enhancing trade in professional services such as medicine, engineering, accountants, lawyers, education, cooperation in international affairs and negotiating as a block in the interest of the investor, and the development of sound infrastructure and power.

There is in place, a functioning regional assembly and an East African court of Justice manned by the best brains in the region. There is synergy between political forces, private sector, bureaucrats and civil society to enhance the integration process.

A working custom union is in place and a common market to enhance the free movement of people, goods, capital, services and information are on course. It is very clear that small states boundaries, are a fetter and a millstone around the necks and prison wall around the people, whose prosperity they purport to enhance.

This large economic block with a large variety of resources, human and natural ,will unblock the region's potential into actual wealth, raise the quality of life and boost the pride, self confidence, respect and dignity of our people. Why not be part of this process. For Africa to prosper we need bigger blocks to focus on real issues, produce an educated, skilled, proud and hard working population for their own good and future generations. The real world has no mercy for small, weak and unorganized people or states.

The EAC is on course and is not stoppable. It may be delayed but not derailed. It is making a difference.