Govt seeks public views on EAC draft constitution

DODOMA: THE government has launched a nationwide public education campaign on the draft constitution for the proposed East African Community (EAC) Political Confederation to raise public awareness and encourage citizens to contribute to the regional integration process.

The campaign was officially launched in Dodoma on Monday by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation responsible for East African affairs, Charles Kadonya.

Running from October 26 to November 2, 2026, the campaign will cover several parts of the country, including Dodoma, Mwanza, Arusha, Kigoma, Mbeya, Dar es Salaam, Mtwara and Zanzibar.

It aims to familiarise Tanzanians with the draft constitution, its key provisions and its potential implications for the country’s development and the wider East African region.

Speaking during the launch, Mr Kadonya emphasised the importance of public participation, saying the proposed Political Confederation addresses fundamental issues affecting citizens’ daily lives and the future of cooperation among EAC partner states.

“Citizens need to understand the draft constitution and contribute their views to ensure that the proposed framework reflects both Tanzania’s national interests and the collective aspirations of the regional bloc,” he said.

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Key issues outlined in the draft include governance and the distribution of powers among member states’ governments, citizens’ rights and their protection, economic cooperation, and regional defence and security.

Mr Kadonya said informed public participation will be essential to ensuring that citizens’ views contribute meaningfully to discussions on the proposed political arrangement.

He said Tanzania’s engagement with the draft constitution will take place in two phases.