East African Legislative Assembly Visit

Meeting report

FOREIGN AFFAIRS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
5 September, 2003
EAST AFRICAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY VISIT

Chairperson: Mr Z P Jordan (ANC)

Documents Handed Out:
None

SUMMARY
The East African Legislative Assembly representing Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda briefed the Committee on their progressive project to create the East African Federation that would promote integration of the African continent and initiate a mechanism of strong development and rejuvenation of the socio-economical situation.

MINUTES
The Chairperson welcomed the guests from East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) stating that it was not a formal meeting but rather a friendly get-together to exchange views on topics of common interest. The focus of the meeting concentrated on relations with SADC. The East African delegation was especially interested to learn from the South African experience and emphasised stronger economical and political ties with the region.

The main aspect of the EALA presentation was the promotion of the East African integration in "the spirit of Africanness". The EALA treaty outlined the program, which was to culminate in a creation of the East African Federation. The ultimate integration of the three member states, namely Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, would be conducted through the following steps. Firstly, creation of a customs union, next establishment of a common market, then foundation of the monetary union and finally of the East African Federation.

The role of South Africa in that project would be of great importance. The idea was to form a deeper commitment of cooperation between SADC and South Africa that needed to be further explored and exploited in the context of globalisation. Both sides expressed a desire for closer cooperation and encouraged participation in future dialogue to resolve ongoing conflicts in Africa. It was time to enter a phase of re-evaluating and redefining their relations. The aspiration was to find a common binding philosophy that would destroy artificial barriers to development. The EALA's initiative was jointly embraced and a decision was made to work together and to learn from each others experiences. It was time for a general upliftment of the African continent.

The meeting was adjourned.