Introduction
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the East African Community (EAC) are two regional organizations in East Africa, with each comprising different member countries. The IGAD countries have a combined population of 300 million, while the EAC has a population of 162 million. In 1986, IGAD was established, and on November 30, 1999, the Treaty for Establishment of the EAC was signed, coming into effect on July 7, 2000.
IGAD and EAC are both serving different purposes and have distinct goals. They also have similarities, including both bodies working towards regional integration and addressing issues like forced displacement and economic challenges within their respective areas. Additionally, they overlap in membership, which can facilitate collaboration. These countries collaborate on various issues, including peace and security, economic development, and humanitarian assistance within the region. IGAD is composed of 8 member states, namely, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda. On the other hand, EAC currently has 8 member states. These are Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The most recent development is Somalia’s admission to EAC. Somalia was officially admitted into EAC on November 24, 2023, and became a full member on March 4, 2024.