East African Community economic initiatives to reduce conflict among the members states

Abstract

The study investigated the economic achievements registered by East African Community (EAC) to reduce intrastate conflict in the region to promote peacebuilding. Partner States of EAC with exception of Tanzania have witnessed intrastate conflicts. The partner states of East African Community such as Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi have suffered from conflicts for many years, which needs a regional approach to address it. The aim of this study was to examine the economic achievement initiatives of East African Community to reduce conflict. The study used document study analysis, group discussion and interview to collect data besides extensive literature review on the subject. The findings of the research reveal that EAC has made a number of achievements which have had direct or indirect significant contribution in reducing conflict in East Africa. These among others include establishment of common identity to reduce tension among the citizens in the region; establishment of custom union which provides details policies to harmonize economic policies. The study concludes with some recommendations that there is need to implement policies and programmes initiated by EAC if it is to have taste of time.