EAC postpones Namanga cross-border sensitization campaigns

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East African Community Secretariat has postponed the border sensitization mission to the Kenya/Tanzania Namanga Border due to what has been described as unforeseen circumstances.

Originally scheduled to take place on 19th April 2024, the mission aimed at assessing the performance of Stop Border Posts (OSBPs), identify areas for improvement, and review the status of implementation of agreed action plans.

8th April, the High-Level

In a statement on Thursday, the Secretariat pledged to reschedule the mission.

"While this postponement is regrettable, the EAC remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering regional cooperation and enhancing border efficiencies, " reads the release from the secretariat.

The sensitization campaign launched on 9th April 2024 is aimed at reviewing the performance of the various One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs).

The strategy code-named Border Sensitization Mission also underscores the EAC's commitment to fostering cooperation, enhancing trade facilitation, and improving cross-border procedures in all member states.

"The primary objective of the mission is to follow up on the performance of OSBPs, identify areas for improvement, and assess the implementation of agreed action plans. The interaction aims to address challenges and streamline processes at these critical facilities," states the release from the EAC Secretariat. 

The engagements will involve various stakeholders including Officers in Charge of the OSBPs; customs, immigration, standards, and port health officers, representatives of other border agencies, cross-border traders, and local government authorities.

Uganda, South Sudan consultations at Elegu/ Nimule 

On 9th April, government officials, trade representatives, and other stakeholders from both Uganda and South Sudan met at Nimule Border to discuss strengthening cross-border trade relations and fostering regional integration.

The mission provided a platform for in-depth discussions on various issues impacting trade between the two Partner States, with a particular emphasis on the implementation of One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) and other trade facilitation measures.

The delegates reviewed the performance of the OSBPs, which aim to streamline clearance processes and enhance security measures at border points. Stakeholders underscored the importance of consolidating various government agencies into one central location to expedite clearance times and simplify procedures for cross-border traders.

A release from the EAC secretariat stated that stakeholders echoed the call for an improved understanding of OSBP procedures, gender-sensitive integration efforts, and the need to address environmental challenges affecting trade activities in the area, with particular reference to floods known to frequently affect the Elegu/Nimule area.

Other key recommendations included the need for capacity building for traders to fully appreciate and experience the benefits of the EAC integration and infrastructure development to support cross-border trade.

The first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of EAC Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, hailed the diligent efforts of all border agencies in facilitating the movement of goods.

She underscored the urgent need for South Sudan to expedite the implementation of the EAC Customs Union Protocol.

“This acceleration is imperative in ensuring citizens enjoy the full benefits of the EAC integration.

In areas where legislative frameworks to facilitate the implementation of the Customs Union remain pending, I implore the Republic of South Sudan to actively seek support from the EAC Secretariat to conclude the same,” said Kadaga.

The Minister who reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to ensure enhanced collaboration of the border agencies from the two Partner States, added that, “Collaborative efforts are indispensable to navigate the complexities of integration, with a collective focus on ensuring tangible benefits for the populace.”

Representing the South Sudan Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Simon Nyang, the advisor to the Minister of Trade and Industry in South Sudan said that the OSBP review meeting was critical to the Ministry of Trade and Industry, adding that the Ministry will strive to implement the recommendations of the meeting.

Selected borders and mission dates:

Nimule/Elegu, South Sudan side – 9th April

Mutukula/Mutukula, Uganda side – 12th April

Rusumo/Rusumo, Rwanda side – 15th April

Kobero/Kabanga, Burundi side – 16th April

Namanga/Namanga, Tanzania – 19th April

Similar missions are planned for other OSBPs in June and July 2024.