Kibaki asks EAC to support peace efforts in Somalia

Xinhua
Wednesday, April 18, 2012

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President Mwai Kibaki has called on the East African Community (EAC) member states to support peace efforts in Somalia as well as look for ways of averting war between Sudan and South Sudan.

In his address to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), Kibaki, who is the chairman of the East Africa Community Summit, pointed out Monday that regional peace was a pre-requisite for regional integration.

"As the EAC, we have a responsibility to the people of Somalia. We must also find a way to diplomatically address the unfolding events between South Sudan and Sudan borders. These two nations must not return to war so soon after peaceful separation," says Kibaki.

The head of state also commended the efforts made by Kenyan, Ugandan and Burundian troops who are currently fighting the Al- Shabaab in a bid to bring peace in Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somali (AMISON).

On matters of legislation, Kibaki said EAC needs to refocus its efforts in deepening the process of integration.

He disclosed that the regional heads of state will this month consider the progress made in the establishment of the Single Customs Territory which is meant to facilitate free movement of goods within the community.

On the establishment of a monetary union, which is the next pillar of integration after the protocol and customs union, Kibaki disclosed that experts involved in preparatory work are in the final stage of the work.

Kibaki, however, pointed out that integration efforts are still being hampered by non-tariff barriers.

"We must all do more to ensure removal of these barriers which are being placed by persons who do not understand regional integration," said Kibaki, sentiments which were echoed by National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende.

Marende urged EALA which is concluding its term in two months to fast track the issuance of the East African passport and the establishment of an EAC training hub which he said Kenya was willing to host.

EALA is holding its last session in Nairobi in the next two weeks during which it is expected to consider crucial bills.

Non- Tariff Barriers refer to restrictions that result from prohibitions, conditions, or specific market requirements that make importation or exportation of products difficult and or costly.

Non-Tariff Barriers to trade can arise from: Import bans general or product-specific quotas, complex, and discriminatory Rules of Origin as well as quality conditions imposed by the importing country on the exporting countries.

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