Updated 54 min(s) ago
By Philip Mwakio
Three-time presidential loser in Zanzibar and Secretary-General of the Civic United Front (CUF), Seif Hamad predicts a slow integration of the expanded East African Community (EAC).
Speaking in Mombasa where he is on holiday, Mr Hamad said public participation was key to the success of the community. "There is little that a boardroom decision will achieve in fast tracking what the EAC aspires to achieve," he said in an interview.
The CUF leader said the collapse in 1977 of the initial EAC denied the region a lifetime achievement in terms of social, political and economic developments.
"Its composition was that of a profitable trading and economic bloc with its own airline, railways and harbours, including a custom union," he said. He said the European Union took more than 50 years to stabilise. "If the first EAC did not collapse, we would be talking of an East African Federation."
Peoples views
On alleged suspicion over Tanzanias back-peddalling of the integration process, Hamad said the people of Tanzania had spoken and their views are what the government is following.
"Majority of Tanzanians have made it known that the decision for a united federation should not be rushed but given adequate time."
He said majority of Tanzanians share the stand of the government that they should be given more time to adjust and catch up with the economies of Kenya and Uganda.
"Land is a critical problem in Kenya. In fact Tanzanians fear that once a federation is in place, Kenyans could flock to Tanzania whose land mass is vast, take up positions and acquire land," he said.
The Standard | Online Edition :: Tanzanian opposition leader explains fears over EAC
By Philip Mwakio
Three-time presidential loser in Zanzibar and Secretary-General of the Civic United Front (CUF), Seif Hamad predicts a slow integration of the expanded East African Community (EAC).
Speaking in Mombasa where he is on holiday, Mr Hamad said public participation was key to the success of the community. "There is little that a boardroom decision will achieve in fast tracking what the EAC aspires to achieve," he said in an interview.
The CUF leader said the collapse in 1977 of the initial EAC denied the region a lifetime achievement in terms of social, political and economic developments.
"Its composition was that of a profitable trading and economic bloc with its own airline, railways and harbours, including a custom union," he said. He said the European Union took more than 50 years to stabilise. "If the first EAC did not collapse, we would be talking of an East African Federation."
Peoples views
On alleged suspicion over Tanzanias back-peddalling of the integration process, Hamad said the people of Tanzania had spoken and their views are what the government is following.
"Majority of Tanzanians have made it known that the decision for a united federation should not be rushed but given adequate time."
He said majority of Tanzanians share the stand of the government that they should be given more time to adjust and catch up with the economies of Kenya and Uganda.
"Land is a critical problem in Kenya. In fact Tanzanians fear that once a federation is in place, Kenyans could flock to Tanzania whose land mass is vast, take up positions and acquire land," he said.
The Standard | Online Edition :: Tanzanian opposition leader explains fears over EAC
