Pipeline stand-off may ‘kill’ EAC unity

In the recent past, there has been a considerable effort by the East African Member States to pull together towards regional integration.

Economists have always maintained that in order for the region to grow economically, then integration is the way to go.

However, as the leaders of member States have always put on a brave face, there seems to be an underlying mistrust that still exists. Tanzania, in the eyes of many, appears to have been coy about the process.

The latest stand-off between the three member States about the proposed pipeline to Uganda might end up scuttling the entire process and erode some of the gains already achieved such as free movement of goods and people.

Uganda, a landlocked State with oil deposits it plans to exploit, is at the centre of the latest controversy. After signing an agreement to have its oil pass through Kenya to Lamu port, it seems to have changed its mind and opted to enter a new deal with Tanzania, to use Tanga port.

Whereas it can be argued that each country puts its own national interests before regional consideations, for the sake of much desired harmony in the region, all the three countries should have been on the table to consult on the matter.

This is an issue with the potential of weighing down heavily on the Member States and diplomatic relations.

Already it is reported that Tanzania denied our Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter entry into Tanga port. The CS, accompanied by Ugandan officials, was denied entry for a fact-finding mission about the pipeline matter. This brings to the fore the frosty relationship between Kenya and Tanzania because the Uganda delegation was let in freely to visit the Tanga port.

If this matter is not sorted out diplomatically and in a timely fashion, it could easily spill over.