DR. Congo on Friday joined the East African Community (EAC) as the seventh member of the bloc.
At a virtual extraordinary summit of Heads of states of the East African Community held in March and chaired by Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, the bloc unanimously approved DR. Congo’s request to join the East African bloc.
In a colourful ceremony to sign the treaty of accession in Nairobi, Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, noted that the community’s populations will now rise to 300 million which will bring the total Gross Domestic Product of the bloc to an estimated GDP $ 250 billion.
The EAC chairman pointed out that, the treaty will allow member states to remove all impediments that could hinder the smooth movement of capital, goods, services and people, as well as all Non-Tariff Barriers.
According to Mr. Kenyatta, ‘’these two are the signature pillars of our community and the foundation upon which the social, political, trade, investment and economic interests stand.”
The East African Community chairman assured Dr. Congo that the bloc will assist it rectify the requirements for the African continental free trade agreement.
“As agreed by the EAC partner states, the joint submission by EAC will strengthen our voice in the AfCFTA,” President Uhuru Kenyatta added.
Speaking On his turn, President Felix Tshishekedi said “DR Congo will actively play its role within the community so that it can become more stronger and more prosperous.’’
He noted that DR Congo has long waited for this opportunity to be admitted into the EAC and that it was a fulfillment of dreams held by his country’s ancestors for more than 60 years ago, adding that it marked a decisive shift in the country’s foreign and economic policy.
