Borrowing from the European Union in the East African Federation debate
The
East African Federation is a great idea because size – in geography and
demography – matters. There is no doubt that the strength and importance of the
United States and European Union (EU) in international relations derive from
their size. However, this greatness was not delivered on a silver platter and
on a date fixed in advance. In the EU the process of federation which began
after WWII is not yet completed because major problems have to be addressed
first before a political union is declared. European experience may therefore be
helpful in appreciating the challenges in the East African federation project
and how to address them for mutual net benefit.