Implementation of East African community common market policies in Burundi: A case of free movement of persons

Abstract

The study examined the implementation of the EAC Common Market policies in Burundi using the case study of free movement of persons. It was guided by the three research objectives; i) to assess the effectiveness of policies instituted by Burundi emanating from the Protocol of the EAC Common Market for the free Movement of persons from East Africa Countries, ii) to examine the practices by Burundi emanating from the Protocol of the EAC Common Market that promotes the free Movement of persons from East Africa Countries and iii) to seek solutions to challenges in policy and activity frameworks that Burundi faces in order to implement the EAC Common Market Protocol for the free Movement of persons from East Africa Countries. The study used a cross sectional research design basing on both qualitative and quantitative data. In addition the study used purposive sampling and simple random sampling methods; it used a sample size of 63 respondents. Findings revealed that the progress of free movement of persons in Burundi is still low due to lack of civil liberties and restrictions on freedom of movement. Respondents stated that the country of Burundi welcomes an estimated number of 332 students who are granted gratis student passes. In addition, Burundi has prohibition laws to immigrants that have a direct negative impact on the right to free movement of persons. Findings revealed also that Burundi has taken steps in fostering success in the practice of free movement of persons by issuing common standard document to their nationals and has clear effective policies under CMP about the right to free movement of persons. In recommendations, the study suggested that Burundi should consider the establishment of a High Level Forum or Authority on regional integration for a better coordination and implementation of the initiatives and programmes of all regional integration bodies to which the country subscribes.