Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the East African Community (EAC) region have underscored political stability and the need for enhanced capacity building as critical priorities in advancing the regional integration agenda. These were the issues at the forefront during the recently concluded national dialogue meetings organised by the East African Civil Society Organizations’ Forum (EACSOF).
The forums were held under the EAC Consultative Dialogue Framework (CDF) domiciled under the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, which aims to strengthen engagement between the EAC Secretariat, Partner States, and Non-State Actors at both national and regional levels. The CDF intend to promote regular, inclusive, and participatory dialogue to ensure broad-based ownership of the integration process.
Concluded in June 2025, the dialogue forums brought together officials from the Ministries of East African Community Affairs, representatives from CSOs across the region and development partners. These virtual sessions followed the initial phase of national dialogues held physically across all EAC Partner States in 2024.
Key concern among the CSOs was the necessity of sustained political stability, which remains fundamental to the success of regional integration. The forums observed the merits of political stability in creating conducive environment for implementing regional policies and agreements. However, unrest in some Partner States continues to hinder progress and threatens the realisation of integration agenda.
Further, the CSOs stressed the urgent need for capacity building to support their effective participation in the integration process. They noted that many organisations lacked sufficient knowledge, technical skills, and resources to engage meaningfully with the EAC institutions and national governments. The forums called for expanded training programs and financial support to strengthen the role of civil society in regional affairs.
Additionally, raising public awareness about regional integration and the role of the EAC Secretariat emerged as another key issue. Despite ongoing efforts, many citizens across the region remain unaware of the EAC mandate in providing a platform for them to communicate their concerns directly to the national policymakers, facilitating government action.
The Consultative Dialogue Framework requires Partner States to provide an enabling environment for the private sector and civil society to take full advantage of the Community, by coming up with strategies to promote continuous dialogue for the implementation of agreed decisions in all economic sectors.