By Isaac Mwangi
There’s something deeply worrying happening in East Africa. Across several countries, we’re seeing a growing pattern: Opposition voices being silenced and leaders becoming more intolerant of dissent. What’s even more disturbing is how docile and quiet the EAC has been as all this is happening.
In Uganda, Dr Kizza Besigye, one of the country’s most prominent opposition leaders, has spent over 140 days behind bars—denied bail, denied justice. In Tanzania, Chadema, the main opposition party, has been blocked from participating in the next election, and its leader, Tundu Lissu, is facing treason charges. And in South Sudan, Riek Machar, the First Vice President, is under house arrest.
Even Kenya, often seen as the region’s democratic beacon, is showing troubling signs. Civil society groups have been warning about increased crackdowns on protesters, students and critics. The space to speak out is shrinking everywhere.
Now, you’d think the EAC—a body that claims to stand for democracy, human rights and the rule of law—would be speaking out loudly. Instead, it’s been deafeningly silent.
We shouldn’t forget that the EAC Treaty isn’t just about trade and economics. It is also about preparing for eventual political federation, which ought to have a foundation of strong democratic values. But if the EAC keeps ignoring obvious repression, what good is that promise?
East Africans deserve better. We deserve a regional bloc that protects not just our economies, but our voices and our freedoms. The EAC must stop the repression and start standing up for the people.
By not speaking out, the EAC is sending a message—that it is okay for governments to silence their opponents, as long as trade and partisan politics continue as usual. That is not just disappointing—it’s dangerous.
The time for silence is over. If the EAC is to remain relevant and respected, it must take a stand. That means holding its members accountable, calling out abuses, and pushing for reforms where democracy is under threat.
The regional bloc should not just be about trade deals and summits. It should be about shared values and protecting the rights of every East African. Otherwise, the EAC will become nothing more than a club for authoritarian presidents—not a community for the people.
