East African Community begins verification of DRC to join the bloc

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has moved a step closer to joining the East African Community (EAC) bloc.

The move follows the launch of the EAC verification mission to the DRC last week.

EAC Secretary General Peter Mathuki says the entry of DRC into EAC will strengthen the bloc and provide more trade opportunities in the region.

DRC President Felix Tshisekedi officiated over the launch of the Verification Mission.

If the process succeeds, then DRC will become the seventh partner State to join the bloc.

South Sudan was the last to be admitted to the EAC with neighbouring Somalia’s application still pending

“DRC is neighbouring South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania…it neighbours 5 countries of East Africa…so DRC is an important country when it joins the EAC, and it has good relations with other members,” said EAC Secretary General Peter Mathuki.