By Yang Ater Yang
Experts from the East African Community (EAC) have launched a national stakeholder consultation in Rumbek, Lakes State, to gather public views on the proposed EAC political confederation.
The one-day consultation brought together representatives from state ministries, women’s associations, civil society organisations, people living with disabilities, academia, youth groups, and church-based organisations.
The consultation focused on gathering views to inform the drafting of a constitution for the proposed EAC political confederation.
Participants discussed areas including regional cooperation, governance structures, decision-making, authority, funding, constitutional arrangements, and other issues that stakeholders want addressed.
The consultation involved experts from eight EAC member states, including South Sudan, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Daniel Laat Kon, CEPO Coordinator in Lakes State, said civil society presented proposals on several areas that should be considered in the confederation.
He highlighted peace and security, particularly conflict prevention along regional borders, as a priority.
“We also talked about infrastructure. There is a need to improve infrastructure and the issue of having a single currency that can help traders and our people to buy goods in any state where you go,” Laat said.
He added that participants also discussed improving healthcare and education systems across the region.
Akol James Malala, representing women’s groups in Rumbek, called for stronger representation of women in the proposed confederation and equal opportunities in decision-making.
She also urged the confederation to prioritise women’s empowerment, peacebuilding, and protection from early and forced marriage.
James Maluk Machok, Acting Chairperson of the Lakes State Youth Union, said young people wanted a unified regional education system and better recognition of academic qualifications across member states.
Andrea Aguer Ariik, EAC Deputy Secretary-General in charge of infrastructure, economic, social, and political sectors, said the consultations were intended to collect citizens’ views on how the proposed political confederation should be structured.
He said South Sudan was the fifth country consulted, following Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, with consultations expected to continue in the remaining member states.
The findings will be presented to the EAC Summit for consideration.