East African Civil Society Organisations Forum seeks formal role in EAC decision-making
The proposals were presented to Stephen Patrick Mbundi, EAC Secretary General Ambassador, during a high-level meeting at the EAC headquarters in Arusha last week, where both sides pledged to deepen collaboration on the regional integration agenda.
East African Civil Society Organisations Forum seeks formal role in EAC decision-making
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The East African Civil Society Organisations Forum (EACSOF) has intensified its push for a formal role in the East African Community’s (EAC) decision-making process, proposing institutional reforms that would give organised civil society greater influence in shaping regional policies and monitoring their implementation.
The proposals were presented to Stephen Patrick Mbundi, EAC Secretary General Ambassador, during a high-level meeting at the EAC headquarters in Arusha last week, where both sides pledged to deepen collaboration on the regional integration agenda.
At the centre of EACSOF’s proposals is a request for Official Observer Status within the EAC institutional framework. The Forum argues that the status would formalise citizen participation in regional governance while strengthening policy dialogue, accountability and implementation monitoring across the eight Partner States.
Another proposal calls for coordinated national consultations in all eight Partner States ahead of the Regional Civil Society Summit and the Secretary General’s Forum. EACSOF stated that consultations would generate evidence-based recommendations and ensure citizens’ views are reflected in regional policy discussions.
Responding to the proposals, Mbundi welcomed closer engagement between the Secretariat and organised civil society, describing such partnerships as important in advancing the East African integration agenda.
He urged EACSOF to work with the Secretariat’s directorates and departments to identify practical areas of cooperation, adding that while formal arrangements must follow EAC procedures, the Secretariat remains open to continued technical engagement.
The discussions further explored opportunities for collaboration in resource mobilisation, policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and joint implementation of programmes aimed at advancing regional integration and sustainable development.
She added that the Forum remains committed to strengthening accountability and advancing a people-centred integration process through constructive engagement with the EAC Secretariat and other regional institutions.
As the EAC deepens regional integration, stakeholders are demanding a stronger voice in policy-making. Civil society argues that sustained institutional engagement is the best way to secure transparency, accountability, and public trust.
EACSOF is the regional umbrella body for civil society organisations in the EAC, representing more than 300 member organisations across the bloc’s eight Partner States. The Forum promotes citizen participation in regional integration through policy advocacy, research, dialogue and strategic partnerships.
The meeting concluded with both parties committing to continue consultations on the proposed areas of cooperation as they explore mechanisms for strengthening collaboration between the EAC Secretariat and organised civil society.