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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 24921, member: 2262"] The East African Community is a dynamic regional bloc of eight nations that represents one of the world's fastest-growing economic partnerships. This intergovernmental organization encompasses Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania, with its central operations based in Arusha, Tanzania. Somalia became the newest addition to this regional partnership after signing the Treaty of Accession in December 2023 and completing full membership requirements in March 2024. The expanded community serves an estimated 302.2 million citizens, with urban residents making up more than 30% of the population. Spanning 5.4 million square kilometers, the region boasts a combined Gross Domestic Product of US$ 312.9 billion. The EAC traces its modern foundation to November 1999, when the establishing treaty was signed. The agreement took effect in July 2000 with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda as founding members. Rwanda and Burundi joined in July 2007, followed by South Sudan in August 2016 and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in July 2022. The community has made significant strides in regional integration through the 2010 establishment of the East African Customs Union and the Common Market. These achievements complement the ongoing implementation of the East African Monetary Union Protocol, marking substantial progress toward economic unity. The political landscape continues to evolve, with member states advancing toward an East African Federation. This commitment gained momentum in May 2017 when regional leaders adopted the Political Confederation model as an interim step toward complete political integration. The organization maintains ambitious goals for regional prosperity, focusing on economic strength, security, stability, and political unity. These objectives drive the EAC's mission to strengthen economic, political, social, and cultural bonds among member states, aiming to enhance living standards through increased regional competitiveness and trade. The community upholds core principles of professionalism, accountability, and transparency in its operations. These values, combined with an emphasis on teamwork and unity amid diversity, reflect the organization's dedication to East African ideals and collective progress. [/QUOTE]

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