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Oct 14, 2006

THE East African Community has taken another step in its evolution into what will ultimately be a federation.

THE East African Community has taken another step in its evolution into what will ultimately be a federation.

The heads of state of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have launched consultations on fast tracking the political federation that will be the culmination of relations that were renewed in 2000 with the relaunch of the EAC.

When the original EAC collapsed in 1977, it was for the lack of a common political vision. Anarchy reigned in Uganda where Idi Amin’s brutal dictatorship made the country an international pariah. Tanzania’s socialist setup was at odds with Kenya’s capitalist outlook, which fed into the much wider Cold War and its geopolitical ramifications.

Now the governments see eye-to-eye. But while a singularity of purpose with the political leadership is critical, of equal if not more importance is ownership by the people. The federation will be bringing together people who have lived in different boundaries for over a century, which in itself will pose challenges.

But none of these challenges would be insurmountable, as long as they are properly anticipated and planned for.

The consultations that started yesterday need to identify potential bottlenecks (the European Union would have a few good lessons, though many of our challenges will be unique to this region). Then a structure needs to be built, with a proper focus, the right people, the appropriate fora, and a feasible time line.

East Africans must identify with their future, and all stops must be pulled if this dream is to become reality.

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