Regional
DR Congo signs EAC treaty, formally joins bloc
The
Democratic Republic of Congo formally joined the East African Community on
Friday when President Felix Tshisekedi signed the deed of Accession to the
Treaty establishing the EAC at a ceremony held on Friday at State House
Nairobi.
DRC
was admitted as the seventh member of the regional bloc on March 29 during the
virtual 19th Extraordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State chaired by Kenya’s
President Uhuru Kenyatta. Following this, the DRC was required to sign the
treaty to officially become a member.
President
Tshisekedi signed the treaty together with the EAC Heads of State Summit
Chairperson, President Kenyatta, as per the requirements of the EAC admission
process. Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Paul Kagame of Rwanda
attended the brief but elaborate ceremony.
The
signing was carried out seven days to the April 14 deadline that the EAC had
granted the DRC.
“The
signing of the treaty of accession marks the formal entry of the DRC into the
EAC having satisfied the conditions set under Article Three (3) and Four (4) of
the treaty, and following its admission during our virtual extraordinary summit
held on March 29 this year,” said President Kenyatta.
“To
get to this point, it has taken strong leadership and commitment to the ideals
of the EAC integration agenda and a clear understanding of the shared benefits
that come from working together.”
President
Felix Tshisekedi assured the Community of his country’s commitment to the EAC,
adding that DR Congo will play its part in making the region stronger and more
prosperous.
“The
DRC renews the commitment made on March 29, that is to work so that we can
develop our Community and especially through optimising the agro-economical
activities in our countries and opportunities of cooperation that should be
exploited for the wellbeing of our population,” he said.
Source:
www.theeastafrican.co.ke