The journey for achieving national cohesion between East African Community for common market seem deemed as spat of war members escalates.
For couple of months now Uganda and Rwanda have been trading differences fueled politically which may later harm the trade ties.
Standoff between the two countries is now threatening discussions around key statutes on regional integration which is already facing a number of challenges including inadequate and poor regional infrastructure and contrasting legal and regulatory frameworks.
Uganda has accused Rwanda of imposing a trade embargo while Kigali has accused Kampala of hosting anti-Kagame rebel groups, a move that has led to issuance of travel advisories and closure of borders which has hampered trade and movement of persons.
The current situation is also likely to derail some of the decisions and directives issued during the Heads of State Summit in Arusha in February. During the 20th Ordinary Summit, the heads of state received a report on the status of ratification of protocols and directed EAC members to ratify all outstanding protocols and the Council of Ministers to report to the 21st summit.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary in charge of East African Community and Regional Development, Adan Mohamed is already on record warning that any stalemate among the East Africa member states is a threat to trade and regional integration.“EAC is an important market for us.
East African Business Council chairman Nicholas Nesbitt said business community in the region is already feeling the effects of the standoff between Uganda and Rwanda.
“We have heard complaints from our members in Uganda and Rwanda and even from our members in Tanzania and Kenya. Everyone along the supply chain is affected”
The leaders are now calling for the mediation of the conflict to enhance the smooth running of the region economy.