EAC CRISIS IS NOT FINANCIAL BUT A LEADERSHIP ISSUE – GEORGE ODONGO

 EAC CRISIS IS NOT FINANCIAL BUT A LEADERSHIP ISSUE – GEORGE ODONGO

By Joseph Ngilisho | Arusha

East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament George Odongo has said that the challenges facing the East African Community (EAC) are not primarily financial, as is often argued, but rather rooted in leadership weaknesses reflected in financial management, human resources, and institutional performance within the regional bloc.

Contributing to the EAC budget debate currently underway in Arusha, Odongo noted that for many years lawmakers have repeatedly discussed the same issue of inadequate funding, while the real underlying problem is the lack of collective political will and commitment among partner states toward the regional integration agenda.

He argued that even reforms in the contribution formula based on the economic capacity of member states would not provide a lasting solution unless political leaders demonstrate strong commitment in fulfilling their obligations to the Community.

“What we refer to as a financial crisis within the EAC is actually a manifestation of a leadership crisis. Leadership produces outcomes, and the conduct of leaders influences how state institutions prioritize the regional integration agenda,” he said.

Odongo observed that some member states have continued to contribute to the EAC budget despite economic challenges, citing Burundi as an example of a country that has demonstrated commitment to regional cooperation. However, he pointed out that some other partner states have gone for extended periods without making any financial contributions, raising concerns about their level of commitment.

He further cautioned that without a shared understanding of the importance of regional integration, the EAC will continue to face persistent challenges in implementing its programmes and achieving its objectives.

According to the legislator, regional integration is key to addressing economic and security challenges facing East African countries. He therefore urged EAC leaders to foster what he termed a “convergence of ideas and shared understanding” to strengthen the future of the Community.

Odongo called on the EAC Heads of State Summit to urgently address existing differences in outlook among member states to ensure the bloc moves forward with unity, speed, and a common direction.

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