FOREIGN and regional cooperation ministers from member states of the East African Community (EAC) at the weekend gathered in a three day ministerial retreat in Zanzibar upon a directive from the Heads of State.

January Makamba, the host minister, expressed Tanzania's hope that the ministers will engage in honest and transparent discussions aimed at fortifying the community for the benefit of its peoples.

The Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation minister issued a summary position on the retreat of from July 6–8, emphasizing that unity is the source of strength. “We have witnessed in the past consequences of EAC disintegration,” he declared, stressing the necessity to avoid repeating those mistakes.

Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya's Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs minister praised Tanzania for hosting the meeting, stressing the importance of EAC leaders seizing opportunities for the benefit of the community's citizens.

Rebecca Kadaga, Uganda’s Deputy Prime Minister and East African Affairs minister lauded the host government for hosting the meeting, praising the leadership's efforts to strengthen the community.

Dend Alor Kuol, the EAC council of ministers chairman and Foreign Affairs minister for South Sudan, highlighted the meeting's significance, particularly its focus on peace, security and regional integration.

That is a crucial step towards advancing the EAC agenda for original and recent member stated, he explained, as the ministers discussed a report from the chairman of the summit of Heads of State.

It focused on the state of peace, security and relations among member states, evaluating the integration process and issues hindering realising its goals, programmes and projects.

The ministry worked with the EAC secretariat to organise the meeting, following a directive from the summit held virtually on May 7, he said, noting its excellent attendance with ministers from the eight EAC member states—Burundi, the DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda and host Tanzania in attendance. The various permanent secretaries for the ministries and counterparts from the EAC secretariat were also present.

Makamba described the meeting as aimed at reinforcing the EAC family, enabling it to perform its functions effectively, also underscoring Tanzania's dedication as a founding member to fostering unity and strength in the EAC.

This is vital in ensuring the successful realisation of its plans, projects and goals, something that all the participants acknowledge, he added.