The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising six countries in East Africa: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The origins of the EAC can be traced back to the East African Common Services Organization (EACSO), which was established in 1967 to promote cooperation and integration among the three founding members: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
In 1977, the EACSO was transformed into the East African Community, with the aim of deepening economic, political, social, and cultural integration among its member states. However, the EAC collapsed in 1977 due to political differences and conflicts among the member states.
In 1999, the EAC was revived with the signing of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, which came into force in 2000. The new EAC focused on promoting regional economic integration, trade, and development among its member states.
Since its revival, the EAC has made significant progress in various areas, including the establishment of a common market, customs union, and monetary union. The EAC has also implemented various infrastructure projects, such as the East African Railway Master Plan and the East African Power Pool, to promote regional connectivity and development.
In recent years, the EAC has faced challenges such as political tensions among member states, trade disputes, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the EAC continues to work towards its goal of achieving a politically stable, economically prosperous, and socially integrated East Africa.
Overall, the EAC has come a long way since its inception, and its member states continue to work together to promote regional cooperation and integration for the benefit of all East Africans.