The Extra ordinary Council of Ministers from the East African Community (EAC) meeting on Monday in Arusha considered and paved way for admission of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into the East African Community (EAC).
The Council of Ministers of the EAC has recommended to the Heads of States to admit the DRC to EAC. The community is composed of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The decision follows DRC’s request to join the block that was followed by the EAC technical expert’s successful verification of the readiness of DRC to join the Community.
According to the EAC Treaty, the criteria for admission of new members into the community include acceptance of the Community, observance of human rights and social justice, potential contribution to the strengthening of integration within East Africa, democracy and the rule of law, and adherence to universally acceptable principles of good governance, among others.
Dr. Peter Mutuku Mathuki, Secretary General of EAC announced the decision on twitter saying, “Extra ordinary Council of Ministers meeting held in Arusha yesterday considered and paved way for admission of #DRC into #EAC, among other strategic issues.”
According to reports, if the summit of the Heads of States supports the recommendation of the council of Ministers, DRC could join the block in early 2022.
According to DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, for DRC to join EAC would ease trade since DRC shares borders with four of the six member states.
Although the DRC has an abundance of natural wealth including Minerals like gold, diamond, cobalt, the country has been characterized by the civil wars which has left hundreds of civilians killed and others displaced.
