Support for the Federation of East Africa

WHEREAS, the inter-territorial cooperation between Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika and Zanzibar was created in 1948 by the East African High Commission, creating a common external tariff, currency and postage, transportation, communication, research and education; and

WHEREAS, in 1967 the East African Common Services Organization was superseded by the East African Community aimed at strengthening the ties between the members though a common market, tariffs, and public services to achieve a balanced economic growth within the regions; and

WHEREAS, the East African community collapsed in 1972 following political differences between Presidents Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya, Idi Amin Dada of Uganda and Mwalima Julius Nyerere; and

WHEREAS, in 1997 Presidents of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania re-established the East Africa Community with aim of establishing common customs tariffs, regional court, legislative assembly, and eventually a political federation; and

WHEREAS, in 1999 the treaty to restore the East African Community was signed by the Presidents, Hon. Daniel Arap Moi, Hon. Yoweri Museveni and Hon. Benjamin Mkapa; and

WHEREAS, the countries of Rwanda and Burundi have applied to join the East African Community and may join in 2006; and

WHEREAS, in 2005 a customs union of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania was inaugurated; and

WHEREAS, the principle of political federation was warmly welcomed by the people of East Africa; and

WHEREAS, a strong Federation is only possible if it is owned by the people of East Africa themselves through effective democratic and informed participation from the beginning of the process up to the end; and

WHEREAS, all the Presidents of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have reiterated their support for the principle of accelerated and fast tracking of the Federation by 2010 and single President in 2013; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP is a world recognized non-governmental organization with technical expertise in civil rights, democracy development and political advocacy; now

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP write a letter to the Presidents of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania as well as the Secretariat of the East African Community expressing support for the East African people as they forge towards political federation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP encourage economic exchange between U.S. corporations and the Federation of East Africa; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP make efforts to meet with the Presidents of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as well as the Secretariat of the African Union to show support for the political Federation of East Africa.