PRESS RELEASE

Burundi-EAC MINISTERS CONCLUDE NEGOTIATION ON THE Draft Treaty of Accession of the Republic OF BURUNDI into the East African Community

AICC, Arusha, 16 May 2007

EAC Headquarters, Arusha, 16 May 2007: Ministers from the Republic of Burundi and EAC Partner States have today concluded the High Level Ministerial Negotiations on the draft Treaty of Accession of the Republic Burundi into the East African Community. During the High Level Negotiations, Hon. Donatien Nijimbere, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Burundi led the Burundi delegation, while Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Msabaha, Minister of the East African Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania, led the Ministerial delegation from the EAC Partner States.

In attendance were other Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Juma Mwapachu and other Senior Officials from the Partner States and the EAC Secretariat. The High Level Ministerial Negotiations was chaired by the Rt Hon. Eriya Kategaya, Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers.

While welcoming the two delegations, the Rt Hon. Eriya Kategaya, noted that “Burundi has the support of the region and the negotiations of the Draft Treaty of Accession was the penultimate process in the admission of the Republic of Burundi into the East African Community”.

The Leader of the Burundi Delegation, Hon. Donatien Nijimbere reiterated Burundi’s commitment to the integration process and readiness to take her rightful place in the integration process as was decided by the Summit of Heads of State on 30th November, 2006. The Hon. Minister said Burundi was committed to regional peace, political stability and sustainable development.

Hon. Dr Ibrahim Msabaha, Minister for East African Co-operation of the United Republic of Tanzania, said the East African Community looked forward to completion of the process of Burundi and Rwanda’s accession to the East African Community. He underscored the fruitful outcome of the well negotiated, concluded and drafted Treaty of Accession. While appreciating the challenges Burundi may face as a new member of the Community, Hon. Dr Msabaha pledged the commitment of the existing Partner States to assist Burundi during the transitional period.

The Ministers considered and adopted the Draft Treaty of Accession of the Republic of Burundi. The Draft Treaty of Accession of the Republic of Burundi will be presented to the Summit of Heads of State on 18th June 2007 in Kampala, Uganda for consideration and signature.

Magaga Alot,
Head,
DIRECTORATE OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFIARS
EAC SECRETARIAT
ARUSHA, TANZANIA