By Twiine Mansio Charles
In the heart of East Africa, a clarion call for unity and security rings out like a church bell on a Sunday morning. At the helm of this movement is General Yoweri Museveni, an iconic revolutionary leader of all time.
Gen. Museveni has been waving the flag of regional integration with the gusto of a football fan in a World Cup final. He’s been shouting from the rooftops that only together can the East African Community tackle the challenges of today’s world. He often reminds us how disunity left us in the lurch during colonization, like a ship lost at sea without a compass. Under his watchful eye, Uganda has become a shining beacon of hope for collaboration, encouraging neighboring nations to rise above their individual interests and embrace the power of togetherness.
Suffice to note, Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among, the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, deserves our appreciation. As a trailblazer, she has recently initiated the rotation of parliamentary sessions and has committed to extending this practice across all five regions of Uganda, setting a commendable example for EALA to follow. By hosting the EALA in the Ugandan parliamentary chambers, she is not just welcoming guests; she is creating a vibrant platform for dialogue and cooperation. Her insights into the benefits of rotation are invaluable, demonstrating the spirit of inclusivity essential for addressing the unique political, social, and economic challenges faced by member states.
In this day and age, the urgency for a unified approach to security in East Africa is as clear as a bell. The threats of terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, wildlife crime, and the proliferation of counterfeit goods are like a swarm of locusts, jeopardizing the safety and prosperity of our citizens. It’s high time for a comprehensive “Ugandan Declaration” on strategic regional security, led by our representatives in EALA. These interconnected threats are brewing a storm of suspicion and mistrust among East African nations. The anticipated rise of terrorism, with groups like Al-Shabaab lurking in the shadows, threatens to create an atmosphere thick with fear, potentially leading to border closures at the drop of a hat, much like the recent tensions that closed the Uganda-Rwanda border. Such disunity could throw a wrench in the works of cooperative efforts to combat these dangers and hinder the crucial sharing of intelligence.
Furthermore, issues like human trafficking and cross-border smuggling could escalate tensions, impacting the daily lives of citizens and stifling economic activity. If we do not act swiftly and decisively, the consequences could be dire, amplifying vulnerabilities across the region and placing the burden squarely on the shoulders of our people. Drug trafficking and money laundering? They’re wrecking havoc on the social and economic fabrics of our region like a bull in a china shop. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) warns that East Africa is becoming a hotbed for narcotics, undermining public health and economic stability. Resources that should be paving the road to development are instead being funneled into battling these issues, leaving communities feeling like they’ve been left out in the rain.
And let’s not forget about counterfeit goods! They pose severe health risks and undermine legitimate businesses faster than you can say “fake designer.” The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that a staggering 10% of medicines in low- and middle-income countries are substandard or falsified. This compromises public health and erodes trust in healthcare systems, leading to dire consequences for society. Human trafficking remains another critical threat, exploiting vulnerable populations like a leaky faucet that just won’t quit.
These challenges create a perfect storm for social unrest, as communities increasingly view their governments as incapable of keeping them safe. The absence of cohesive strategies deepens mistrust among member countries, complicating efforts to foster regional cooperation. The theory of liberalism in international relations provides a compelling rationale for why we need to integrate and tackle these security challenges. As Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye describe in their classic Power and Interdependence, liberalism champions cooperation, interdependence, and the critical role of international institutions in fostering peace and security.
Look no further than the European Union, a classic example of how cooperative security frameworks can work wonders. Their common security and defense policy has strengthened relationships among member states, proving that unity can be the secret sauce for greater stability. East Africa must take a leaf out of this book and prioritize integration focused on strategic security.
The absence of a strategic vision on security in East Africa has cost us dearly. General Museveni has been waving the caution flag, warning that disunity opens the door to external pressures and imperialistic ambitions. He’s been on the soapbox, emphasizing that fragmentation invites exploitation by foreign powers. His insights remind us that without a cohesive approach to security, we risk becoming targets for neocolonialism. His message of strategic security is not just talk; it embodies a nationalistic virtue calling for collective action. It’s essential that EALA representatives tip their hats to his efforts during this session in Uganda.
Reflecting on the words of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who stated, “We have a shared responsibility to manage our common problems and build a more peaceful world,” we are reminded that strategic security is not merely a national concern but a global imperative. His vision aligns perfectly with our need for collaborative frameworks in East Africa. Contemporary scholars echo this call for concerted efforts to combat borderless crime. Phil Williams, an expert in the field, puts it succinctly: “the internationalization of crime means that no country can address these challenges alone; only through collaboration can effective strategies be developed.” Such wisdom underscores the need for alliances and resource-sharing to tackle the complexities of global and regional security threats.
The implications of a disunited East Africa are becoming increasingly apparent, especially in light of global events. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and crises in the Middle East remind us how regional conflicts can send shockwaves that destabilize entire areas, leading to humanitarian crises and mass migrations. These scenarios serve as a wake-up call for East African legislators to grasp that the repercussions of global insecurity extend far beyond our borders.
Cybersecurity, in particular, is a new frontier of threats that knows no boundaries. As more transactions and communications shift online, cybercrime poses risks to national security and economic stability. The World Economic Forum warns that “the rising tide of cybercrime could cost the global economy up to $10.5 trillion annually by 2025,” highlighting the urgent need for regional synergies in cybersecurity measures.
As I roll out the welcome mat for the esteemed EALA representatives to Uganda, let this gathering serve as a clarion call for action. The time is ripe for our Ugandan representatives to seize this opportunity and make a lasting impact on the future of East African security. It’s high time to champion a united front, fostering cooperation and resilience against the myriad challenges that threaten our region.
I urge everyone to rally behind the vision of a secure, prosperous, and integrated East Africa, where each nation stands together like a well-tuned orchestra. The stakes are high, and the road ahead demands courage and commitment. Now is the moment for our representatives to act decisively, ensuring that our collective security frameworks are as robust as a brick wall.
With the unwavering spirit of unity, let’s pave the way for a safer tomorrow—one that not only protects our citizens but also nurtures the potential of our shared future. The journey begins here, and it’s my responsibility to make it count.
Twiine Mansio Charles is a Strategic Security Analyst