National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged the Ministry of East African Community (EAC), Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and Regional Development to collaborate with the Bureau in eliminating obstacles that hinder full regional integration.

Speaker Wetang’ula, who also serves as the President of the Bureau of EAC Speakers, emphasised the importance of legislative unity in addressing regional challenges and reaffirmed his commitment to the EAC integration agenda.

He made these remarks during a courtesy visit by Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul Moe at his office.

“As President of the Bureau of EAC Speakers, I remain committed to fostering regional unity, legislative harmony, and economic growth for a more prosperous East Africa,” he said.

The meeting focused on strengthening legislative collaboration among EAC partner states and highlighted the critical role of national parliaments in promoting integration and mutual cooperation.

Security, Trade, and Infrastructure take centre stage

Security concerns in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) featured prominently in high-level discussions involving East African and Southern African leaders.

Speaker Wetang’ula stressed the need for deeper regional unity, policy alignment, and economic cooperation. He urged CS Moe to support efforts aimed at transforming the Bureau of EAC Speakers into a more influential regional body, noting that enhanced legislative coordination is essential in fast-tracking integration.

The discussions also centred on key challenges facing the EAC, including trade restrictions, legal harmonisation, and the need for stronger institutional frameworks to support regional governance. Speaker Wetang’ula reiterated Kenya’s unwavering commitment to the EAC’s success and called on partner states to work together to drive economic and social transformation.

CS Moe calls for legislative support

Dr Askul Moe, Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, emphasised the need for legislative support to strengthen integration efforts across the bloc. She reaffirmed her commitment to championing deeper regional integration, fostering peace and cohesion, and enhancing unity within the EAC for shared prosperity.

She also highlighted the importance of collaboration between national legislatures and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), stating that stronger ties between regional parliaments and EAC institutions would enhance cooperation and effectiveness.

EAC-SADC leaders discuss regional stability

The meeting came a day after Heads of State and Government from the EAC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened virtually for the 2nd Joint EAC-SADC Summit on Tuesday evening.

The summit, co-chaired by President William Ruto and his Zimbabwean counterpart, reviewed the outcomes of the joint EAC-SADC ministerial meeting held on 17 March 2025 in Harare, Zimbabwe. A major point of discussion was the ongoing security crisis in the Eastern DRC.

Leaders from both regional blocs explored strategies to address the conflict and enhance regional stability, reaffirming their commitment to working together to tackle security threats and promote peace in the region.