Operationalization of Regional Protocols

Abstract

The East African Protocol on peace and Security was established in 2013 by the EAC member states to aid in the securitization processes of the sub-region. This was a positive move seen in light of departure from the traditional conceptualization of security as an exclusive domain of states to the non- traditionalist conceptualization which expands the scope of security beyond state to non- state actors and issues to be securitized beyond military concerns to encapsulate new and emerging global challenges. More than four years into its signing, the protocol is yet to be fully operationalized with measured success into its implementation. As a legal instrument, its framework is yet to be institutionalized and its ratification by the member states is low. The challenges it sought to address continue unabated with two member of the EAC member states; South Sudan and Burundi, in serious internal conflict almost rendering South Sudan as a failed new state. Terrorism, cattle rustling, Cyber-crime, Money laundering, refugee crisis among other challenges remain rife. The study identifies lack of political goodwill as a key obstacle to the operationalization and full implementation of the protocol. EAC countries are not ready to sufficiently cede their sovereignty and pursuit of their respective National power and interest at the Altar of joint collective security. Provisions of the protocol which advance democratic principles, good governance and respect for human rights are seen as an affront to the long established mantra of “ non- interference to the internal affairs of states”. Other obstacles identified relate to coordination challenges, financial challenges, lack of technical advisory support, institutionalization challenges, poor consensus building, poor public participation, marginalization of targeted communities, and incompatibility of local cultural values with universal values within the protocol. The study has recommended various options for enhancing the operationalization and implementation of the protocol key to which is cultivation of the political goodwill necessary and sufficient for the ratification and domestication of the protocol, steady funding, aligning cultural values to universal values through legislating against retrogressive cultural practices, improved coordination through strengthening of institutions envisaged in the protocol amongst other recommendations.