Burundi’s Integration Into The East African Community:Challenges And Prospects

The thesis analyzes the challenges and prospects of Burundi’s integration into the East African Community.Frommy analysis,it emerges that the East African Community(herein after referred to as EAC)is a regional intergovernmental organization,composed of six Member States such as Tanzania,Uganda,Kenya,Burundi,Rwanda and South Sudan.Integration of Burundi into this organization is a strategic option to respond to its landlocked geographical situation but also to ensure socioeconomic development.On basis ofmy research,Burundi’s participation inthe EAC faces many challenges.These include political instability due to external influence and the lack of a political and democratic culture in Burundi.Political tensions between Burundi and Rwanda are a major handicap in the process of integrating Burundi into the EAC.Burundian economy also continues to face structural weaknesses such as low diversification of productive structure,insufficient and inadequate economic infrastructure,and low public and private investment rates.To overcome the challenges facing Burundi’s regional integration and reap the benefits of the EAC,the study shows that Burundi needs to initiate reforms and strategies that can serve the cause of regional integration.These include,but not limited to,re-establishing political-diplomatic relations between Burundi and Rwanda;Peace and democracy must be consolidated and strengthened in Burundi;Political cooperation between EAC member states must be strengthened.On the economic front,reforms are urgently needed so that Burundi can benefit from its integration into the EAC.These are economic reforms designed to boost investment and economic growth,in particular the improvement and strengthening of infrastructure supporting trade and economic growth.