Government urges EAC on political integration

The Government of Rwanda through the EAC ministry has questioned the political will of East African Community partner states to fully integrate Rwanda and Burundi into the regional organization. The Minister of EAC Monique Mukaruliza, made the claims yesterday in a telephone conversations with The New Times. She called on member states to show full commitment in bringing the two countries fully on board. EAC, which previously comprised of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, was revived in the early 1990s after its collapse in late 1970s. Rwanda and Burundi were officially integrated on 1st July 2008. “Since April last year when Kenya finally signed the accession treaty and deposited her instruments of ratification with the depositary to fully include us in EAC, we have received incredible demands, some of which are still a big concern up to now,” Mukaruliza said by telephone yesterday. She explained that despite being admitted into the economic bloc two years ago, the two countries did not fully enjoy the provisions of the integration until July last year. Mukaruliza pointed out that Members of parliament from Rwanda did not sit at the secretariat before April 2008 and therefore annual contributions demanded for two years were unrealistic. “We have already paid three quarters of our contribution for the efficient running of the EA secretariat but I am surprised that it has been accounted for the previous year. We are particularly not happy with the unfair treatment,” she said. Due to financial constraints and political instability, Burundi was allowed to pay US$1m for two years while the rest would be shared by the other countries of which Rwanda has not yet contributed. She expressed disappointment with the recently called off East African legislative assembly in Arusha which was attributed to lack of sufficient funds. “As the council of EAC ministers, we are not happy with the decision by the SG to postpone the EALA without informing us and in future they should desist from this,” she warned. Mukaruliza underscored the need to raise these issues at the meeting of the council of EAC ministers slated for Friday next week. Meanwhile a report has been sent to Attorney Generals of all the member states to provide an interpretation of the amendment of the treaty that was signed last year. A statement from the Attorney General’s office says that mere ratification of the accession treaty by the republic of Rwanda on 1st July 2007 could not oblige her to financial contributions yet not all partner states had not deposited the instruments with the secretary general. “The only obligation we had in this interim period has been to refrain, in good faith, from acts that would defeat the object and purpose of the treaty,” reads the statement signed by AG Tharcisse Karugarama. Karugarama who is also Minister of Justice requested that the community books of accounts be reconciled in regard to Rwanda’s quarterly payments. In order to facilitate implementation of the Customs Union, Rwanda removed revenue roadblocks and opened its borders to operate on a 24 hour period. Ends