Arusha, Tanzania β 31st July 2025
The East African Community (EAC) Secretariat has issued a stern reminder to its Partner States regarding their obligations under the EAC Common Market Protocol, following concerns over recent restrictions imposed on freedoms and rights central to regional integration.
In a press release dated 31st July 2025, the Secretariat emphasized that unilateral measures hindering the free movement of goods, services, labor, and capital violate the commitments made under the Protocol. The document explicitly prohibits Partner States from reversing or restricting sectors previously liberalized, as outlined in Annex V of the EAC Common Market Schedule of Commitment.
The warning comes amid reports of non-compliance, with the Secretariat currently analyzing the extent of deviations. Findings will be presented at the upcoming Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance, and Investment. The move follows a November 2024 reaffirmation by the Attorneys General under the Sectoral Council on Legal and Judicial Matters, which stressed that backtracking on liberalization pledges contradicts Protocol obligations.
Call to Uphold Regional Integrity
Secretary General Hon. Veronica M. Nduva urged all eight Partner StatesβBurundi, DR Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzaniaβto honor their commitments to maintain the integrity of the regional single market. “The EAC remains committed to seamless integration,” she stated, calling for adherence to the Treaty and Common Market Protocol principles.
Background
The EAC, headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania, admitted Somalia as its newest member in March 2024. The bloc aims to deepen economic and political ties, with the Common Market Protocol serving as a cornerstone for eliminating trade barriers and fostering cross-border mobility.
