The Tanzanian government has initiated a nationwide public education campaign on the draft constitution of the East African Political Confederation. The campaign aims to ensure citizens participate actively in efforts to strengthen regional integration. Mbeya Regional Commissioner, Jumanne Sagini, launched the campaign in Mbeya Region on October 28, 2026. Sagini emphasized the importance of public participation in shaping a draft constitution that reflects citizens' interests and aspirations.
The public education campaign seeks to ensure that citizens have an accurate understanding of the Political Confederation. This will enable them to submit views that will help shape a draft constitution reflecting their interests and aspirations. Sagini stressed that public participation is essential to ensuring that the Political Confederation process takes into account the perspectives of different groups in society. This will strengthen a shared understanding of the future of the East African Community (EAC).
The exercise in Mbeya Region brought together stakeholders from various sectors. These included the Regional Administration, district government leaders, business associations, religious institutions, civil society organisations, and social groups. Young people, women, and people from special groups also participated. Salehe Mubarak, a member of the EAC Committee responsible for drafting the Political Confederation Constitution, presented on the Political Confederation. He explained its concept, objectives, and key stages.
Mubarak informed participants that the Political Confederation is a transitional step towards a Political Federation. This process was adopted by EAC Heads of State in 2017. Key issues requiring public understanding and input include the division of responsibilities and powers between member states and the Confederation. Decision-making mechanisms and measures to ensure citizens' interests are considered throughout the regional integration process also require public input.
Participants engaged in discussions, asked questions, and submitted views on governance structures. They also discussed decision-making systems, areas of cooperation, and the relationship between member states' governments and the Confederation's authorities. The campaign aims to ensure that citizens' perspectives are considered in the Political Confederation process. This will help strengthen regional integration and a shared understanding of the EAC's future.
The nationwide public education campaign is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and various stakeholders. The campaign will ensure that citizens are informed and engaged throughout the Political Confederation process. This will enable them to contribute to shaping a draft constitution that reflects their interests and aspirations.
The launch of the public education campaign in Mbeya Region marks a significant step towards strengthening regional integration. The campaign will continue in other regions, ensuring that citizens across Tanzania are informed and engaged in the Political Confederation process. The EAC Committee responsible for drafting the Political Confederation Constitution will consider public input in shaping the draft constitution.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government has launched a nationwide public education campaign on the draft constitution of the East African Political Confederation.
- The campaign aims to ensure citizens participate actively in efforts to strengthen regional integration.
- The Political Confederation is a transitional step towards a Political Federation, adopted by EAC Heads of State in 2017.
