The challenges of the Democratic Republic Congo's entry into the East African Community’s free trade zone

Abstract

This article is a critical analysis of the history and current state of economic and political integration of the African continent. It should be noted that despite the considerable efforts made in this regard, regional integration does not yet seem to have produces the expected results. Indeed, it begins by identifying the challenges to be met by regional integration programs in Africa, since its appearance with the pan-African ideal until now. The most obvious concern of this analysis is to appreciate the geostrategic overview which could benefit, firstly, the DRC faced with incursions by foreign forces on its borders in the East of the country; then, it could also benefit other members of the community because the minerals coveted in this part of the republic would have the traceability so sought after by the latter following the belligerences which have currently taken place there. Finally, obtaining investments would also come from these six other countries of the organization and would create a win-win market, without however minimizing that two of this country has deep water ports with which the DRC could earn more in this area of free trade. Unfortunately, some articles in the community's statutes are locked to the point that they can make a country that wants to renounce its membership work.