The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has been accepted to the East African Community (EAC).
The decision was made at the EAC’s 19th Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State, making it the organization’s sixth member. The Democratic Republic of the Congo filed for membership in 2019, intending to strengthen commercial and political connections with its EAC neighbors.
The admittance of the Democratic Republic of the Congo will enable Congolese individuals to freely travel to other countries, and commerce will become more faster, easier, and cheaper, benefiting companies and consumers in all nations. However, they will not take effect until the Democratic Republic of the Congo ratifies the EAC’s rules and regulations.
Joining the group also provides the Democratic Republic of the Congo improved access to infrastructure such as the Indian Ocean ports of Dar es Salaam and Mombasa.
While addressing the EAC Heads of State, President Uhuru Kenyatta, the Summit’s chairman, said that admitting the DRC into the bloc will allow the Community to achieve much-needed growth via economies of scale.
“Today, the 29th, is a significant day in the EAC’s history as we accept the DRC into the EAC.” “We have already discussed and agreed in secret session, and the Summit has decided to admit the DRC to the EAC,” stated President Kenyatta.
“The DRC’s entrance to the EAC is momentous, not just for our nations, but for our continent as a whole.”
“The DRC’s admittance to the EAC is a significant occasion since it indicates wealth to the inhabitants!” As leaders, let us endeavor to sustain the region’s peace, security, and stability.” President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Museveni
“I applaud our DRC brothers and sisters and welcome them to the EAC.” “I encourage all EAC institutions to expedite admission procedures in conformity with the Treaty and our admission norms,” Rwandan President Paul Kagame stated.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan remarked, “We anticipate the DRC to confirm the admittance in a timely manner so that the community may benefit from integration.”
