East Africa and Global Leaders in Security and Trade

By Mary Alorh

The East African region holds strategic importance on the continent, boasting some of the world’s premier holiday destinations and attractions.

The East African Community (EAC) comprises eight member states: Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), Somalia, Uganda, South Sudan, and Tanzania. The EAC features an urban population of 30 percent, a gross domestic product (GDP) of US$322 billion, and a total population exceeding 300 million.

The headquarters of the East African Community is located in Arusha, Tanzania. The region has consistently attracted the attention of global trade giants like China, the US, and Russia. Major mining companies, including Glencore, are actively engaged in the region.

DR Congo, which boasts some of the world’s largest reserves of copper and cobalt, is part of this region.

China has been actively sourcing raw materials to fuel its expanding technology manufacturing industries. Recently, China invested US$7 billion in the Congolese mining sector, promising infrastructure development in return, such as roads. However, there have been numerous reports of corruption since 2008, with Chinese companies allegedly failing to fulfill their infrastructure commitments as per the contract agreements.

The Chinese firm China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering is responsible for laying the pipelines for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). The project is financed by a US$3 billion loan from China’s Exim Bank and Sinosure.

Despite its vast mineral reserves, the region faces significant security threats. The Rwandan genocide was a major security crisis that left lasting scars despite Rwanda’s subsequent rebuilding efforts. Kenya experienced violence and unrest in 2007 following a disputed presidential election.

Somalia has endured decades of terrorism by the al-Shabaab group, compounded by the severe impacts of climate change, which have exacerbated the country’s security issues.

In the eastern DR Congo city of Goma, abundant resources have attracted rebel groups, leading to frequent unrest. The M23 rebels are one of the prominent groups contributing to this instability. A recent failed coup attempt in the DR Congo involving an American citizen underscores the need for enhanced security measures.

The United States continues to offer security support to countries in this region. Kenya is the first sub-Saharan African nation to enter a special military assistance agreement with the US. In 2023, the US signed a security agreement to support Kenya’s peacekeeping operations in Haiti.

In conclusion, the East African region holds immense economic, social, and trade significance for global powers, underscoring the importance of supporting peace and stability in the area.

Mary Alorh is Director of Administration at DefSEC Analytics Africa Ltd., and is an expert in Gender, Youth, and Peace & Security initiatives in West Africa.