DRC Applies For EAC Membership

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has applied to join the East African Community (EAC). The EAC currently has six member states, namely Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and South Sudan.

DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has written to current chair of the EAC, President of Rwanda Paul Kagame setting out the country’s request to join and its eagerness to build on existing trade relations and work to promote peace and stability in the region.

Since coming to office in January President Tshisekedi has visited Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. This week he travelled to Tanzania where he met with his counterpart President Magufuli.

DRC accounts for around 6% of total exports from the EAC region.

Somalia has also applied for membership. However, its application has been frozen as a result of instability.