Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania – The 14th Meeting of the East African Community (EAC) Sectoral Council on Foreign Policy Coordination is currently underway in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, from April 22nd to 30th, 2024. The meeting brings together senior officials from EAC Partner States to discuss key issues on foreign policy coordination.
The meeting, which was convened after a long hiatus, aims to consider the Report of Experts Meeting on Foreign Policy Coordination held in 2022, the Concept Note on the development of the EAC Diaspora Policy, and the Concept Note on the development of the EAC Regional Framework on Return and Reintegration of Stranded Migrants originating from EAC Partner States.
In her address, Dr. Irene Isaka, EAC Director for Social Sectors, welcomed the senior officials and expressed appreciation to Partner States for their commitment to participation. She emphasized the importance of holding regular meetings to avoid delays in implementing Sectoral Council imperatives.
The Chairperson of the meeting, Mr. John Chol, Director of Political, Security and Legal Committee of the Republic of South Sudan, thanked the Government of Tanzania for its hospitality and the Secretariat for its efficiency. He expressed satisfaction at the robust participation by Partner States and hoped that outstanding issues in the Sector would be addressed.
The meeting discussed the concept note on the development of an EAC Diaspora Policy, which highlighted the significance of diaspora remittances as a major source of external financing for Africa’s development. Delegates noted that despite the volume of remittances received by Partner States, the cost of remitting is still high due to inadequate policy and legal frameworks in the region.
The meeting also considered the concept note on the development of the EAC Regional Framework on Return and Reintegration of stranded migrants originating from EAC countries. Delegates expressed concern about the high volumes of migration flows in the region, driven by climate change, conflict, and socio-economic conditions.
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