EA heads resolve to boost security defence

Dec 01, 2002

FOLLOWING last week’s terrorist attacks on Mombasa, Presidents Yoweri Museveni, Daniel arap Moi of Kenya and Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania have resolved to strengthen the East African Community’s programmes on security and defence

By Okello Jabweli

FOLLOWING last week’s terrorist attacks on Mombasa, Presidents Yoweri Museveni, Daniel arap Moi of Kenya and Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania have resolved to strengthen the East African Community’s programmes on security and defence.

At their fourth summit in Arusha on Saturday, the three East African leaders condemned the Mombasa attacks as a heinous act and re-affirmed their commitment to fight terrorism. 15 people died on Thursday when terrorists hit a Mombasa hotel.

A communiqué issued at the end of the Summit said the leaders conveyed their condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families of the victims.

President Museveni said the revival of the East African Community was a move in the correct direction at the right time.

He called for the rationalisation of the institutional systems in the partner states, to enhance political and economic development.

A State House statement said Museveni cited the railway system, the East African Customs and other institutions as examples of the necessary organs to strengthen unity and progress.

Presidents Mkapa and Museveni paid tribute to President Moi, the out-going chairman of the EAC Summit, saying he was a great son of Africa who had given exemplary leadership to the people of Kenya, East Africa and African.

Moi, who has been Kenyan president since 1978, will retire in January. Mkapa and Museveni wished him happiness, good health and long life in retirement.

They also looked forward to his continued contribution to the cause of the East African unity and development.

Museveni commended Moi for his wisdom and contribution to the EAC and Kenya. He said Moi’s leadership and that of his predecessor, the late Jomo Kenyatta, had made Kenya peaceful.

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