Reports Leo Odera Omolo

News emerging from the northern Tanzanian City of Arusha says the East African Community member states have signed the Protocol of Foreign Policy Coordination that  provides for the coordination in diplomacy and consular matters.

The signing of the protocol took place at a ceremony held at Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge  which is located in the outskirts of Arusha, and was witnessed by Presidents Yoweri  Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania and Pierre  Nkuruzinza, during their 12th summit held in Arusha  a week ago.

This Protocol is to be ratified by EAC member states by June next year {2011}. It was signed by Prof. George Saitoti {Kenya}, Benard Membe {Tanzania}, Sam Kutesa {Uganda}, Monique Mukoruliza {Rwanda} and Augustin Sanze of Burundi.

Membe told newsmen that the protocol now binds the EAC partner states to collaborate in multilateral diplomacy. “If, say Kenya has no diplomatic mission in Norway, but Tanzania has, then Tanzanian envoy accredited to that country will play diplomacy role for both partner states”, said Membe.

The blueprint also provides for EAC member states to collaborate in economic and social activities as well as capacity building.

Deputy Secretary General in charge of political federation, Ms. Beatrice Kiraso was quoted widely by the EASTAFRICAN weekly last week as saying the common foreign policy will safeguard the common values for EAC fundamental interests and independence of the region.

“It is also intended to strengthen the security of the community and its partner states in all ways”, Ms. Kiraso explained.

The EAC Secretary General, Ambassador Juma V Mwapachu, said the protocol is legally binding against all partner states to act collectively and operate together on issues of foreign policy.

“EAC partner states will be acting collectively against the regional terrorism, and piracy, which is eroding the economic performance and policy, raising the cost of doing business in the region”, Mwapachu said.

Chapter 23 of the Treaty establishing the EAC provides for co-operation on political matters and the partner states committed themselves to establish common foreign  and security policy.

Ends