East African Community To Finalise DR Congo’s Admission

The East African Community Council of Ministers will meet on June 8 to finalise admission of the Democratic Republic of Congo into the bloc.

The 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers scheduled from June 8-11 is also expected to discuss the deployment of an election observer mission to Kenya, make a decision on who will host the East African Monetary Institute, and receive the EAC Audit report.

The EAMI’s role is crucial for the implementation of the Monetary Union Protocol.

The DRC formally joined the EAC on April 8, 2022, when President Felix Tshisekedi signed the deed of Accession to the Treaty establishing the EAC.

Roadmap
According to EAC the draft roadmap for DRC integration features three more major priorities.

First, DRC needs to carry out an audit of its existing policy and regulatory framework; Second is the provision of support to the DRC to align its policy and legal framework to that of the EAC.

Dr. Peter Mathuki, EAC Secretary General Said “The EAC is developing a roadmap that details how the DRC will implement various EAC commitments such as Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union, and Political Federation and join various areas of cooperation.”

The council is also expected to consider a request for additional funding to facilitate finalisation of the roadmap for integration of the DRC.

The June 8 meeting is also expected to discuss the deployment of the election observer mission to Kenya during its presidential polls scheduled for August 9.

CGTN/Christopher Ojilere