This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
On September 19, the East African Civil Society Organisation Forum (EACSOF) sent a letter to the East African Legislative Assembly, questioning the commitment and leadership of Partner States to the East African Community (EAC) due to their failure to remit contributions.
The letter, copied to the EAC Secretary-General, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, and the Chairman of the General Purpose Committee, expressed EACSOF's perplexity over the consistent breach of the Finance and Appropriation Acts by Partner States.
According to a survey conducted by EACSOF, in the 2018/2019 budget, Tanzania contributed 89% of its obligation, while Kenya contributed 98%. However, both countries have not made any payments in the first quarter of the 2019/2020 budget.
South Sudan is the biggest defaulter, owing the community more than $27 million, followed by Burundi with $13 million, Tanzania with $9 million, Kenya with $8 million, Rwanda with $7 million, and Uganda with $2 million.
EACSOF is seeking an interpretation of Article 143 of the Treaty, which addresses the issue of Partner States' financial obligations. The forum is also asking the Council of Ministers to take action against Partner States that have defaulted on their payments.
“How can the EAC, charged with fostering regional integration, lack funds to pay salaries to personnel in service of the Community? Were these statutory obligations of the Community not provided for in the budget? If they were, why are the obligatory payments not honoured?” reads the letter.
