One Stop Border Posts in East Africa Under review as special mission from Arusha sets out with Microscope

Five ‘One-stop-border posts’ operating within the East African Community boundaries are about to get under the microscope when the special mission from the Arusha-based regional secretariat sets out to review their respective performances.

A statement from Simon Peter Owaka, the Senior Public Relations Officer at the East African Community Headquarters in Tanzania indicates that the EAC is conducting a high-level sensitization operation at selected borders within the region in the course of April 2024.

The first phase of the mission, scheduled to kick off on the ninth day of April, is aimed at reviewing the performance of the various One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs).

Somehow this is also supposed to enhance the community’s commitment to fostering cooperation, enhancing trade facilitation, and improving cross-border procedures.

“The primary objective of the mission is to follow up on the performance of OSBPs, identify areas for improvement, and assess the implementation of agreed action plans,” reads part of the release.

The envoys are going to engage various stakeholders including Officers in Charge of the One Stop Border Posts; customs, immigration, standards, and port health officers.

The mission will also consult with the representatives of other border agencies, cross-border traders, and local government authorities.

Apparently, the EAC Secretariat aims to address challenges and streamline processes at these critical facilities.

The high-level delegation commences their mission at the South-Sudan side of the Nimule-Elegu One Stop Border Post on April 9, 2024.

The Mutukula Border post of Uganda will be receiving the delegation on April 12, while the Rusumo OSBP of Rwanda gets to be visited on April 15.

The delegation will be on the Burundi side of Kobero-Kabanga’s One Stop Border Post on April 16, before winding up the mission on the Tanzanian side of the Namanga border on April 19, 2024

The mission, according to the EAC, will ensure comprehensive coverage and engagement at the respective One Stop Border Posts.

“The EAC Secretariat underscores the significance of continuous sensitization and capacity-building efforts at EAC borders.”

Similar missions are planned for other OSBPs in the months of June and July 2024, reaffirming the commitment to enhancing awareness and compliance with cross-border procedures.