The legal status of the East African Community (EAC)

The history of the “metamorphosis” of the East African Community (hereafter the EAC), though for the period of over a decade, is not so different from other international regional organizations. For example, the European Economic Community (hereafter the EEC) also underwent some ‘transformation’ before eventually becoming the EU[49]. More particularly, the article reflects on the early stages of the formation of the EAC, its early challenges and how it may have overcome them to attain its present status. Further, the article reflects on the roles and functions of the East African Community organs and institutions and at the same time touch on the important documents as legal instruments that have been adopted and ratified by the partner states. Additionally, the article will reflect on how effective the EAC has been in its commitment to observe the principles of democracy, the rule of law and social justice so as to show that the EAC stands out from other regional economic organizations in the continent. In conclusion this article will show that the history of the existence of the EAC and its re-establishment in 2000, give grounds to embrace its legal status especially following one of their objectives to form a federation among other principles listed in the treaty, which are in line with the general principles of International law.