Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi has said that peace, security, and stability were key in the development of the East African Community (EAC).
Speaking on behalf of President William Ruto at the Peace Conference launch for selected EAC border communities at Namanga border post, Mudavadi said there was need to collectively address issues and harness the potential of peaceful coexistence for regional integration and prosperity.
He noted that the region was struggling against the backdrop of numerous challenges including under performing economies, terrorism, poverty, and cross-border conflicts.
"Borderlands have been historically burdened by poverty, insecurity, and inadequate resources which pose challenges that require joint efforts to overcome. Let's all be agents of seamless cross-border mobility, cohesive mechanisms, shared resource management, and gender sensitivity. This is crucial as the virtues are essential for ensuring security and harmony among border communities," said Mudavadi.
In unlocking economic growth through peace, Mudavadi acknowledged the significant strides made by the EAC in peace and security building. He went on to point out impediments that arise from poorly defined and marked borders, which continue to handicap strong and sustainable regional integration.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary highlighted the shared challenges faced by EAC member states, including colonial legacy pacts, competition for trans-boundary natural resources, and climate change-induced shifts in natural features. While the threats remain minimal and transient, there is need for vigilance to maintain regional peace, security, and integration.
Mudavadi stressed the importance of transforming borders into bridges that facilitate trade, the movement of people, and regional integration. Joint initiatives such as surveying and demarcation teams and Memorandum of Understanding on border management have been put in place.
He said there was need to bring together border communities on national, regional, and continental initiatives aimed at peaceful and sustainable dispute resolution.
"In enhancing the EAC integration process, these communities can access benefits and opportunities that contribute to their prosperity," said Mudavadi.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary echoed President Ruto's vision of creating a borderless community to unleash the full potential of the EAC.
Mudavadi said the integration process must be people-centric, involving elders, women, youth, civil society, religious leaders, and private sector players to promote peaceful social coexistence for the mutual benefit of all.
He said the peace conference will set the stage for concerted efforts to transform borders into bridges of peace, prosperity, and regional integration within the EAC.
The conference serves as a platform to address shared challenges, promote dialogue, and strengthen understanding among border communities.
Mudavadi said by harnessing the potential of these communities and ensuring their active participation, the EAC can achieve sustainable peace, economic growth and enhanced social coexistence.
