The presidents of Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya today revived the East
African Community (EAC) a trading bloc that collapsed 23 years ago amid bitter disagreements over how modern African states should develop.
"We have a heavy responsibility to ensure that the East African Community Treaty is implemented systematically,'' Kenyan president Mr Daniel arap Moi said, adding that member countries had to work hard to prevent it from collapsing like its predecessor did in 1977.
In relaunching the EAC, Mr Moi and Tanzanian president Mr Benjamine Mkapa and Ugandan President Mr Yoweri Museveni have agreed to strengthen political, economic, social and cultural relations as well as to adopt a common East African passport.
A customs union, a common market for about 81 million people, a meteorological department and the free movement of people and residence within the community without immigration control are also envisaged.
The previous community collapsed after 10 years of troubled existence due to political, economic and ideological differences.
Mr Mkapa said the rebirth of EAC symbolised a long march toward regional integration with the goal of ending poverty.
"The whole world is moving toward regional integration, and East African.
AP