East Africa: East Africa Federation is Good Idea But Not Yet Time
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Arusha Times (Arusha)
October 21, 2006
Posted to the web October 29, 2006
Posted to the web October 29, 2006
Matilda Kirenga And Happy Lazaro
Arusha
Arusha
Several people interviewed by The Arusha Times at the
start of the Consultative Process on the proposed East African Federation support ed the idea of the federation but have clearly stated that it was not yet the right time.
Many of those who expressed their views said that Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda should first consolidate the recently established Customs Unions and also the Common Market and Monetary Union before leaping on to more complicated issues such as political federation.
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Some went even to the extent of saying that the idea of fast-tracking the federation process has watered down the community spirit in some parts of East Africa especially
Tanzania.
"It has put the whole process off the track. We start building a house from the foundation not from the roof," said Robert Mushi , a retired civil servant who now resides in Kimandolu, east of the municipality.
Mushi wants the process to take a logical, realistic and manageable course and should not be tampered by self-serving interests or populist decisions that would later be counter productive to the three countries aspiring to unite.
Some however, have narrowed down the debate to probing into what would Tanzania benefit from the proposed federation.
Sirili Akko of the Institute of Accountancy Arusha said: "Right now Tanzania is beleaguered by problems of qualified manpower compared to Kenya and Uganda which have many universities. We have hordes of unemployed youth. What would happen when doors are flung open to allow free movement of labour?"
he queried, adding that Tanzanians would not stand a chance and would continue being jobless many times more.
What Tanzania needs, he said, is more time. "Tanzania should not hurry into that trap. The President should exercise his wisdom in this matter. It is a decision that requires a lot of preparation at all levels."
Wilson Mollel, a gemstone dealer of Mererani Block D said Kenya's economy is relatively developed and like Uganda, Kenya also has very well educated manpower. On the contrary, he said, Tanzania's economy is staggering and the level of education is low. "Tanzanians should first be provided with good education, we do not want to become houseboys and labourers of our neighbours."
To clergyman Willy Akyoo of Bethel Victory Ministry Trust, what has been expressed by others is not inferiority complex but a reality. "Many Tanzanians especially those in rural areas are in dire
straights, what would happen if suddenly they are confronted with people who are capitalist, awash with cash, street wise and well educated? Here in Tanzania, he added, "we live like brothers and sisters, no tribalism, no religious conflicts."
Queen Alex, a resident of Njiro told The Arusha Times that what she hated to hear most is the talk about East African Federation. She says that Tanzania is a peaceful country and should not be contaminated. "We do not want wars, conflicts and the other awful things that happen in neighbouring countries." She claims that in the event of a political federation, Tanzania will also be drawn into bloody conflicts. "Let's remain with our poverty but live in peace. Federation? No."
But not all share same views as her. Arusha's Regional Police Commander, Basilio Matei, for example, says the idea of a East African Federation is a good one and should be implemented as fast as possible.
He is of the opinion that crime would easily be contained under one East African government because criminals would be tracked across borders without any setbacks.
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He gave an example of the criminals printing Tanzania fake currencies in Nairobi, saying that it was difficult to track them down because of the long process and protocols involved. "Let's be under one federal government as soon as possible," he said.
William Bunduki from Uganda who is the headmaster of Rise and Shine Nursery and Primary School at Ngaramtoni said the process to one federal government is taking too long. By now we should be having only one common passport and currency in East Africa. "Life would be a lot easier under one federal government," he said adding that most of the socio-economic problems hounding East Africa would find lasting solutions.
On October 13, the consultative process on East African Federation was launched simultaneously in Kampala, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. National
committees have also been set up in the Ministries of East African Community Affairs of the respective partner states to steer the process and involve the participation of East African people in determining the issue of political federation. The consultative process spans from October this year to April next year.
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