East African Community Treaty Under Review for Veto Authority
In a recent development, a parliamentary committee in Kenya has suggested a review of the East African Community (EAC) Treaty, aiming to provide veto powers to partner states contributing the most. The EAC, a regional bloc comprising seven member nations (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo), currently operates with equal voting rights, emphasizing consensus and a rotational policy for decision-making.
The Committee on Regional Integration, in a report presented in the Kenyan Parliament, proposes a reconsideration of the EAC Treaty, suggesting that contributions from partner states should align with their financial capacity, granting veto powers to the highest contributors. Additionally, the committee encourages the founding partner states of the EAC to contemplate making contributions on behalf of South Sudan and Burundi in a spirit of cooperation.
The committee, led by Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, recommends, “The founding partner states could also consider paying contributions due for South Sudan and Burundi on the big brother basis and review the EAC Treaty to allow partner states’ contributions to be based on the ability to pay and retention of veto power by the highest paying partner states.” This call for change in the EAC Treaty aims to enhance the decision-making dynamics within the regional organization.
