The East African Community (EAC) heads of state have delayed the signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU) for three months pending further consultations over the pact. In light of this, the EAC Secretariat has been directed to communicate to EU the decision reached at the 17th Extraordinary Summit held in Dar es Salaam yesterday.
The EAC Heads of State further asked the EU not to penalise Kenya. “EU should not punish Kenya just because it is two inches taller than other countries in the block,’’ was President Yoweri Museveni’s response on the matter. The secretariat was hence directed to issue communication to the Union that had initially stated that if Kenya would not sign the deal by October it was likely to be the biggest casualty.
Tanzania has made it clear that it will not sign the agreement until the country’s demands are met, demands which according to the EAC state, focus on the best interests of the people were met. Yesterday, the EAC leaders took more than six hours to deliberate on whether they should sign as a block or individually.
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According to the EAC Chairperson, President John Magufuli, it was not an easy job to reach to the decision and for delaying the signing of the EU pact. “Our discussions took a lot of time but as usual when we have any sensitive matter, we agree collectively to reach at a collective consensus in the best interest of our people. Today, we have shown the world that we are capable of seeking solutions in complex matters.’’ he said at a press briefing .
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Uganda President Yoweri Museveni said the three-month extension of signing and ratifying the EU-EAC agreement was meant to synchronise their understanding on the pact that has 146 articles. “The EU should wait until January when we shall convene again so that we give a collective answer than giving fragmented ones,’’ he added.
Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto, who represented President Uhuru Kenyatta, said the leaders had a candid conversation but a fruitful one. “Our decision to move together is a decision that is not debatable,’’ he said.
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, emphasized the need for unity as the region, saying the postponement of a joint signing by the block was the right decision to strengthen unity.
The economic partnership agreements are intended to enhance regional integration and economic development in the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. They are based on the principle of asymmetrical market opening, meaning that they provide a better access to the EU market for ACP partners. They notably offer unprecedented market opportunities for agricultural and fisheries products.
