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The two presidents said they want to see business growing between Tanzania and Kenya, by selling and buying products from both sides and that any differences that affect business must be resolved. “There are small things that emerge in business between Tanzania and Kenya; we want ministers from both sides to sit and resolve them. Small issues that involve gas, shoes, clothes and wheat flour must be resolved by ministers; you do not need to involve us in such issues,” he noted. Dr Magufuli’s statement was supported by his counterpart, President Kenyatta.
The instructions were directed to Tanzania Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr Augustine Mahiga; MinisterMinister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi; Kenyan Foreign Minister, Ambassador Monica Juma and Minister for EAC and Northern Corridor Development, Peter Munya. Meanwhile, President Magufuli held talks with South Sudan President, Salva Kiir at Munyonyo Hotel.
He asked the two fighting sides in Sudan to reach consensus, saying Tanzania is concerned with the state of security in the youngest African nation. “I have assured President Kiir that Tanzania stands with South Sudan and we would like to see them ending their differences. Tanzania is ready to trade with South Sudan; we are ready to sell them food if they need it from us,” said Dr Magufuli
. President Kiir said Tanzania and South Sudan share a historical relationship since the reign of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, adding that President Magufuli has assured him of good relationship regardless of the ongoing war in his country. Moreover, Dr Magufuli held talks with the First Vice-President of Burundi, Mr Gaston Sindimwo, who represented President Pierre Nkurunzinza. The VP went on to assure President Magufuli that the state of security in Burundi was stable.
Dr Magufuli said he is happy to see Burundians who sought refuge in Tanzania going back home. Also, President Magufuli met the former Head of State, Mr Benjamin Mkapa who is the mediator of the Burundian conflict. Meanwhile, in his concluding remarks to the 19th EAC leaders meeting, Ugandan President and the Chairperson of the EAC, Yoweri Museveni challenged his counterparts to properly organise their consumer base for the creation of the region’s prosperity.
“As Africans, we must really know what will help us to get out of poverty … numbers matter a lot when it comes to prosperity,” said President MuseveniHe cited China and India as examples that possessed huge consumer bases, but again saw that it was not enough to attain prosperity and guarantee their economic growth. As for East Africa and Africa, President Museveni said they have the numbers and in 2050 it is anticipated to double.
“We only have a simple job of organising the numbers well, in the common market of East Africa and the Continental Free Trade (CFTA) which will be signed in Kigali, next month,” he noted.
According to the summit’s joint communiqué among things which were deliberated in the meeting include - placing for consideration a report of the council on the implementation of previous decisions of the summit and concern over the slow implementation of decisions. The summit directed the council to implement all outstanding decisions and report to the 20th summit.
The summit assented to the EAC Customs Management (amendment) Bill 2016, the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2016, the EAC Appropriation Bill 2016, which had been partially assented to. The summit also assented to the EAC Appropriation Bill 2017 and the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill of 2017. The summit noted and endorsed nine key investment priority areas for health and directed partner states to mobilise resources required to support the implementation.
With regard to infrastructure, the summit directed the council to mobilise resources required for implementation of new and on-going priority infrastructure projects in the region. The meeting also gave impetus towards achievement and objectives of the EAC by directing the council and partner states to fully implement the single customs territory by rolling out all products and all customs regimes. The summit directed the partner states to expedite the amendment of their national policies, laws and regulations to comply with the common market protocol.
Concerning the monetary union, the summit directed the council to expedite the establishment of the monetary institute and other institutions according to the roadmap of the East African Monetary Union.
The summit directed the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Burundi to ratify the EAC Double Taxation Agreement and deposit the instruments of ratification by July 2018.
They also received the report from former President Mkapa, on the progress of the Inter-Burundi Dialogue. The summit commended the facilitator and mediator who will continue to lead the process