The Democratic Republic of the Congo effectively joined the East African Community on Friday, when President Felix Tshisekedi signed the Deed of Accession to the Treaty Establishing the EAC at State House Nairobi.
DRC was welcomed as the region’s seventh member on March 29 at the virtual 19th Extraordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State, which was presided over by Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta. Following that, the DRC was obliged to join the treaty in order to become an official member.
As part of the EAC entrance process, President Tshisekedi signed the treaty with the Chairperson of the EAC Heads of State Summit, President Kenyatta.
The quick but lavish event was attended by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
The signing took place seven days before the EAC’s April 14 deadline, which the DRC had requested.
“The signing of the treaty of accession marks the DRC’s official entrance into the EAC, having met the requirements set forth in Articles Three (3) and Four (4) of the treaty, and after its admission at our virtual special summit held on March 29 this year,” said President Kenyatta.
“It has required strong leadership and dedication to the objectives of the EAC integration program, as well as a clear awareness of the shared advantages that come from working together, to get to this stage.”
President Felix Tshisekedi reaffirmed the Community of his country’s commitment to the EAC, stating that DR Congo would contribute to the region’s strength and prosperity.
“The DRC renews the pledge made on March 29, which is to work so that we may grow our community, particularly through maximizing agro-economic activity in our nations and exploring chances for collaboration that can be explored for the well-being of our people,” he added.
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