In a surprising move, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has proposed the creation of the East African Federation, a military cooperation among countries within the region.
Addressing the press on Thursday, November 20, at Mayuge State Lodge in Uganda, Museveni noted the move would help strengthen and improve the region's defence capabilities, assuring the region's safety.
He explained that the Federation would bring together all armed forces within the region, including those from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
"I want the formation of the East African Federation. The Federation of East Africa would bring together our countries here and would be a very strong force," Museveni said.
He added, " It would create a centre of gravity for the black race. We have very small countries in the world, but they have a centre of gravity."
During the presser, the Ugandan Head of State raised concerns over the weak military capacity of most African nations, questioning how foreign countries invaded Africa with ease.
Museveni questioned how, for instance, Libya was invaded by a foreign country without an intervention from other African countries, reiterating that the region's military cooperation for essential to curb such incidents.
"Who can rescue Africa now? The other time Libya was attacked by foreigners, and we were just here looking. Therefore, to guarantee our future, we need to look at the political integration of East Africa," Museveni affirmed.
His sentiments come amidst growing tensions within the East African region, stemming from his recent comments in which he threatened war against Kenya.
On November 8, Museveni warned of a looming war between Kenya and Uganda should his country continue to face challenges in accessing the Indian Ocean, claiming that the ocean belonged to him.
"Some of the countries have no access to the sea, not only for economic purposes but also for defence purposes. You are stuck. How do I export my products?" Museveni questioned.
"That is why we have had endless discussions with Kenya. This one stops, another comes. The railway and the pipeline – we discuss. But that ocean belongs to me. Because it is my ocean. I am entitled to that ocean. In the future, we are going to have wars," he added.
