> The majority of the Eastern African Community
(EAC) countries, which gained independence in the
1960s, have experienced intrastate and interstate
conflicts, based on ethnic clashes and disparities in
economic wealth and political power.
> As a consequence, state institutions across the entire East and Central African region are underdeveloped.
> To tackle the challenge of weak institutions, the European Union (EU), together with international
partners, is involved in institution-building initiatives in the East and Central Africa region.
> Despite a variety of initiatives, the EU faces multiple
challenges on the ground, mostly related to a lack
of understanding of local institutional and cultural
dynamics. These challenges have undermined the
effectiveness of its activities.
> To make its engagement more effective in the future, and in line with the spirit of the EU’s Global
Strategy, the EU should prioritise projects incorporating regional solutions, focus on service delivery
and capacity-building programmes while more actively supporting civil society in the region
