DR Congo Officially Becomes 7th Full Member of EAC

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has officially become the 7th full member of the East African Community (EAC).

DR Congo officials on Monday, July 11, 2022, deposited Instruments of Ratification on the accession of the Treaty for the establishment of the East African Community at EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.

The Instruments of Ratification of the Treaty of Accession by the DR Congo to the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC were delivered by DR Congo Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Christophe Lutundula Apala Pen’ Apala.

They were received by EAC Secretary-General, Hon (Dr.) Peter Mutuku Mathuki.

“Today is a very significant day for the Community and for the DRC. It marks the completion of the processes and procedures towards DRC becoming a full member of the East African Community,” Mathuki said.

He said by depositing the instruments of ratification, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) now has full rights and privileges to participate in EAC’s programs and activities and affirms to meet the obligations of the EAC.

On April 8, DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi signed the Deed of Accession with the Chairman of the EAC Heads of State Summit, President Uhuru Kenyatta, as per the requirements of the EAC admission process.

The event marked the formal entry of the DR Congo into the community, having satisfied sections of the treaty.

The country had been given up to September 29, 2022 to undertake internal processes of ratification before depositing the instruments of ratification with the office of the EAC Secretary-General.