The President of East Africa Civil Society Organizations Forum, Mr Edmund Yakani, emphasized the importance of granting freedom to civil society organizations to enhance regional integration at the second East Africa Civil Society Organizations Forum summit in Arusha, Tanzania. Yakani urged the heads of state and government of the East Africa Community to allow civil society to operate without restrictions.
During the summit, discussions centered around governance, digital rights, climate change, and food security, with a focus on harnessing the potential of East African citizens for genuine integration. Yakani also highlighted the need for legislation to unify the civic space, enabling civil society to contribute effectively to regional integration.
Yakani revealed plans for next year’s civil society summit to be held in Nairobi, Kenya, emphasizing the importance of engaging with leaders in each member state to commemorate the 25 years of EACA. The summit aimed to promote dialogue on free movement, trade, human rights, and good governance in the region.