It's official! As of November 24th, 2023, Somalia has joined the East African Community. www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/24/somalia-officially-joins-east-africa-trade-bloc Also I don’t know why I was shouting in this video

Honestly the EAF should just start with the original countries. Join together with them, since that’s the core of the country. Then once that’s stable, expand to the DRC or South Sudan. Those countries aren’t as developed and would be a strain on the union, and while I’m not against them joining, should happen only after it gets off the ground.

Germany's wet dream (Mittel Afrika) after WW1 is getting realised now by the Africans. Hope it goes well and bring stability to the region.

As a congolese. The DRC should have focused on the development of our country. 80% of our country is not at conflict, we getting better in fixing our political problems, with an enormous country. We have the majority of the population. Let’s focus on building our country first. We have come a long way since the Congo wars. Fix before joining.

For some reason I genuinely hope this country does work out. The people in Africa had it rough for to long, and it would be great to see an African nation fixing its internal problems and prospering into a great country.

I feel like in the end only the core 5 of the initial proposal will stick. South Sudan and the DRC are potentially too unstable. It would be easy to build an identity around the Swahili history an make Swahili the lingua franca

The problem with several countries merging into one like this is the whole endeavor hinges on several leaders giving up their power to one central authority, and each leader thinks they should be that central authority. For the EAF to be viable, they need a George Washington-esque figure who everyone can agree should be the person in charge. No President, Prime Minister, or what have you wants to voluntarily reduce themselves to a regional governor unless they stand to gain an extraordinary amount in political or economic capital.

I love how you use little regional animals painted with flags for your nation representers. It's unique and kinda cute

The problem when we Africans talk about unity is that we often forget that our individual countries are so fragmented within. It shows clearly in electoral times that the determining factor for allegiance is the ethnic group or the tribe. The state often exist just on paper and doesn't mean much on people psychology. Let's find first ways of having our many tribes within the individual countries loving each other and accepting to live together in harmony before thinking of African or regional unity. We are too emotional and less rational on this subject.

I remember first hearing about this a few months ago and being very intrigued. It seems like a bureaucratic nightmare to get established but if it does then it would seemly be very beneficial to each country and the people. I think of those industrialized mega cities in Africa like New Mombasa in Halo which would be a dream

I'm surprised you didn't address the elephant in the room that is the DRC's political status in an East African Federation. The DRC is roughly the size of the rest of the Federation and has (by my unrefined estimate) over 1/3 of its population, so if the Federation were to preserve the integrity of its member states, the DRC would exert an enormous level of gravity on its politics. Federations always hate it when one constituent ends up with more influence than anyone else, but pair that with the DRC being underdeveloped and more peripheral compared to its eastern neighbours for some potential chaos over what the DRC's place in the EAF would or should be.

You did us dirty in East Africa with that image of a big head😂😂😂😂

The first step is that only Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda would unite. Only after that the others could slowly join.

With South Sudan joining the initiative, it already became more difficult, the DRC made it close to impossible.

so cool how you get this information about East Africa so spot on. Big up from Kenya

I find it interesting that a solution to the problem of borders is to just create bigger borders, since the issue with a lot of these countries is that they have one country when there should be several, with different regions ethnic groups, etc. but in the end I suppose it makes sense in that a large country that was more unified with logical borders could very well become a good thing. Honestly I’m cautiously optimistic about the EAF, I feel it could do a lot for fighting poverty in Africa and democratization. Such a country would actually be able to fight off insurgents.

As a Kenyan, I believe the Federation will be a great idea as most if not all nations involved have mostly similar cultures. And our economies merged will surely propel us further on the world stage, it's only a matter of if the Politicans will agree to surrender power for the greater good which I hope they do

Something that doesn't get discussed is that within the AU, the EAC, ECOWAS, SADC and other now failed institutions were formed with the aim of integrating their respective member states economies and developing them until we're ready for full continental integration. However, this starts to fall apart when some countries become part of multiple development communities. The DRC and Tanzania are part of both SADC and EAC. If SADC decides to make the Rand its official currency, then how does affect the DRC and Tanzania and their East African Shilling. The way I see it, EAC's reckless expansions will lead to its own collapse and perhaps SADC as well.

I'm excited for this outside looking in. Let's see how it goes

To be honest this idea could have worked better if it first formed without south sudan and the Congo, both have terrible conditions and trying to fit them all together as quickly as possible might scare off the other players of the project. Bigger is not always better and things that sound great on paper in practice sometimes fall apart. It be great if they can get it to work but I have my doubts.

The admission of DRC at this point makes the appropriate name for the country as 'Central African Federation'.

Europe became the union it is today only after 50 years, starting from an economic union just like the EAF. I know that we’re talking about two different circumstances, but after looking at this video and informing myself on Wikipedia and various articles, I think that considering where their progress is now, something this big can be done in 15-20 years with a good management behind it.

I've been interested in a potential EAF since I first heard about it years ago, and it's something I'd like to see happen for a hopefully more stable Africa, but looking at the problems you mentioned, it does feel like South Sudan and DRC would be massive millstones around the neck of the EAF. Even just sharing a sizeable Swahili speaking population I think makes a huge difference, not to mention the instability of those latter countries. I really hope they pull this together, but I'm not super optimistic, at least in the next decade. Also the country has nicer looking borders without South Sudan and the DRC :P

It warms my heart seeing African countries uniting to fight their problems together, I wish all luck to this plan of unification and reforms.

Man i wish them luck. Seeing countries prosper and unite is so satisfying

As a Nigerian that lives in the U.S. I want this to happen so bad ik it will be hard but I only see good things coming for this I truly only want the best for Africa

I love how you dont stress people asking for subscriber or like button. You got a new subscriber buddy 🤙 interesting video. Thanks

One problem with the EAF is that the Congo is too unstable and has a ton of rebels and warlords in the eastern side of the country. For the union to work, they would have to get rid of them because no borders will allow the rebels to spread into the other members.

I’d say the EAF needs to cut Congo loose off they want the project to succeed. The DRC will be a massive weight around the neck of the EAF, that could very likely drag the country down due to having so many more problems, then the other original countries. It needs to stop admitting new members to the project at least temporarily. If they keep saying yes to new partners it will only make actually unifying and settling on a final formula more difficult.

Seems like a good idea if they can make it work, though including Congo seems like it would be a huge problem.

Hi Hoser. Tbh, I’ve been fantasizing about the unification all of the countries along the Sahel region, from Eritrea and Sudan to Senegal and Mauritania. Would be great to see you do a video on that.

Lol the part where the giraffe asks unanielewa 😂😂. Epic edit my g

YES, FINALLY! I remember asking for this months ago on the Congo vid and i’m so glad it’s out now, thank you so much h0ser!

I think there are too many conflicts between the countries here, especially the DRC and the Great Lakes countries, but also between Uganda and Rwanda themselves. It makes a lot of sense for Tanzania and Kenya to pursue greater integration/EU-style federalism, but then again Kenya also gains a lot strategically from its current independence and is the richer of the two by a lot. Something like this should probably be done in careful stages.

Ive been following the efa for a while now and its really interesting A lot will be up to what the constitution will be like(Considering that Uganda and kenya both have fairly strong constitutions theres a good chance this one will be too) and how committed politicians will be to try and get the country fully integrated or if they will end up being as corrupt as so many of the post colonial politicians Getting the currency out should be top priority imo as that will help unify the economy, will help preventing inflation and will give the east african federation a sort of national identity Also its interesting that theres so many other countries who want to join the efa, seems like they really believe this is their solution to corruption and poverty, wonder if having overestimated the effects of this union will become an issue later on Overall i give it a 1/4 chance of succeeding depending on the circumstances But if it does suceed it will certainly be a future world power

Somewhat reminds me of some part I had in my history class in Canada. Our original provinces weren't really all meant to be a united country but we had economical issues. Turned out good.

The East African federation is like these guys are best friends. They all have something in common. They have a horrible past, they are poor and etc. They all live in an average house together, combining their wealth. Their income is average. They share stuff around the house like bedrooms, tv, bathroom, and etc. Sure they do fight one another, but they can solve their issues. Tell me what the East African federation is like in your comparisons. Pls don’t get offended, I did this before with DRC, and etc.

They should ditch the DRC. Yes they have resources but they're like a 2 million square kilometre bad luck charm

The music choice is very nice😊

Including the DRC just makes the whole concept dead on arrival tbh. South Sudan joining so soon was imo a major error, the 5 main states should have been merged first and *then* add new states.

I think the 5 countries should unite first then South Sudan and DRC. Uniting these countries right away will just spontaneously combust the country. The core nations will be smaller than DRC and Algeria in terms of land and Nigeria in terms of population but an easier area to stabilize (Rwanda and Burundi already had similar histories, and every nation has somewhat of a similar geography, and yeah like he said, religion) and there's very little sign of instability in the core nations. I'm not entirely against DRC joining as that's a lot of resources but A. They should worry of the effects of Dutch Disease, B. Mind the effects of geography (DRC is more than half Jungle only useful because of the Congo River and hidden resources unexploited because it's hell) and C. They need to stabilize the area first especially the relation with the East (which has more in common with the core than the west) and the West of that gigantic nation especially as the West part is too different. For South Sudan, it depends on them but if I'm the ruler of EAF, I'm not against the idea of just scrapping them in the plan as their only benefit would be the added population, but if SS can be stabilized, then no problem with it as it has the same geography with the core.

Hoser always given us godly content

I'm no expert but including South Sudan and the DRC doesn't make much sense to me. At least not until the originally proposed countries have a chance to stabilize and prosper as a new nation.

I love the background music bro

Had no idea D.R. Congo had also joined. The original idea seemed interesting, but as more members get in the more absurd it gets, so I don't expect this to happen unless DRC and South Sudan get out.

The country could potentially work if it stuck with the original core. But adding the DRC, South Sudan, even Somalia would make it a guarantee that it collapses. Those three are far too unstable to ever be more than deadweight and would drag the whole federation down. Why their petitions were even accepted is beyond me.

With South Sudan, Congo and Somalia joining the EAC. It looks like deeper political and economic integration is becoming increasingly distant. They should’ve stuck with the original five, then gradually advanced from there.

Man I love your editing

If they can overcome the ethic tensions and political divisions they could potentially be a regional power. I see a lot of potential for EAF

It sounds like a good idea that benefits every nation involved, and fingers crossed that they can make it work.

Gosh I Hope This Ends Up Working Out. What A Beautiful Example Of Human Unity It Would Be.

I love the way you presented my country zambia and I didn't know it also wants to join the EAC.

It was a good idea before South Sudan joined. Now they have Congo and Somalia's on its way... This just sounds like a complete mess now. No way three unstable regions can all be brought into an EAF. Maybe if the EAF becomes a central part of the EAC without those three, like Benelux as a union being part of the European Union.

The EAF might be crazy enough to actually work. Regardless I’m hopeful for their future and I hope it all works out

I thought the EAF was a very good idea until they decided to let the DRC join for some reason. The DRC is barely a functioning country that is already too big to handle. Not sure how bringing them into the fold will help anything.

Great move towards the formation of Africa as a large, ang huge Single Country❤❤!!

btw. if you ever do a video including Switzerland, as for the choice of animal: foreigners may think a cow would be fitting, but we don't actually regard the cow as national animal (because we don't have one, every canton instead has its own), it's more comparable to how cats are regarded in other countries (or here). Well, cats you could milk. Cats would only really fit Egypt as national animal, by the same token of not being iconic/specific enough anywhere else. I would prefer either two other animals (which non-Swiss are not even aware of as being iconic here): Alpine ibex (where we are the biggest habitat for them) or marmots (frankly I can't tell you why, we just regard them as kind of a cute joke animal here). These are two wild animals, instead of domesticated, so preferable.

If, and I say if this works, this has the potential to give Africa the respect it deserves on the global market

The best plan would be to integrate countries initially planned or one country at a time, then add DRC and south Sudan,India is diverse but still one country,they can figure it out unit as well,even if they are really divided at the moment

I wish them the best of luck. Would love to see a prosperous EAF in the future that finally takes those lands into a safe and secure society where their citizens can live in peace and focus on building a future for themselves and their families.

I love your videos. They're fun to watch and very informative. I also really appreciate the fact that you always summarize the key points at the end of the videos... it's very helpful! Keep up the good work!

If you ask me the EAF should mainly focus on the original 5 members, and not South Sudan or DR Congo, since they're both having civil wars which would present problems, I think the EAF should focus on consolidating their control first and making sure they have a stable economy in their core nations, before expanding outwards. I think the EAF has massive potential, they just need to play their cards right

It sounds like a great idea, if it could actually work. But I have serious doubts that it wouldn't just quickly devolve into tribal power struggles like pretty much every country in the region. Just look at Ethiopia's ongoing (?) civil war. I think it could succeed if they take it very, very slowly. Build out free trade agreements, common regulations, etc over time. Beyond tribal conflicts there is also the general high levels of corruption across the entire region that needs to be dealt with.

Bro I never thought a geo video could be so funny as well 🤣🤣

Loved this one. Absolute fan service, thanks

I've been hoping for this for so long. I think this is exactly what Africa needs, assuming it goes well.

I am not surprised at all by the number of times you have mentioned the word "if." That means that there are so many obstacles to overcome on the way to an East African Federation (EAF), that one wonders whether it would be feasible at all. You only have to look at the East African Community (EAC), which was founded in 1967 and collapsed 10 years later only to be revived by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Even though the East African Common Market (EACM) was the driving force behind the EAC, it has never been fully realised after all these years. Moreover, the EAC is now seven countries, including the newest member the DRC. That even makes it harder to come to a satisfactory agreement on the way forward. A common currency of the seven countries planned to take effect by 2023, may be the first move towards the EAF. Still, it remains to be seen whether it will ever materialise at all. Underlying all this will be one key requirement, which may determine the failure or success of the EAC evolving into the EAF. It will be the manner in which the legislative assembly of the EAC conducts its affairs in Arusha as required by the constitution. The Constitution of the EAF would remain only on paper, unless it can be made to work as the law it was meant to be. Given what we have seen in the governance of the seven-member states since independence, I am not optimistic that the constitution would be taken seriously. Failure to set up a democratic legislature in Arusha, the EAC cannot succeed let alone evolve into the much-anticipated EAF. On the other hand, "if" the foundation of the EAC in Arusha is rooted in democracy and not otherwise, then the EAF would stand a very good chance of becoming what it was meant to be.

In my honest opinion as a Costa Rican (nothing to do with you, I'm a total outsider, and we're not a rich country but hey, we're not that bad), I'd say that, as many other people have suggested, start with the union as a federacy with the founding members, surrounding Lake Victoria. That's the most realistic and 'holdable' country, since South Sudan and the DRC are plagued with problems unfortunately. This is not to say to abandon them, slowly start integrating them in the united market and freedom of passage (goods and people), and slowly start integrating them in the country. It'd be like the federacies which constitute Spain (this would be the EAF) which are also part of the European Union (where the DRC, South Sudan and even Ethiopia could be a part while the process of integration takes place). This may take decades and may have to be passed as a dream to the new generation, but believe me, I understand you guys since I also dream of an united Central America, even though we're also plagued with problems. Still, gotta say I love seeing different people trying to work together to get to a better position as a whole, and even being so helpful to countries in need. Hopefully you'll make it!

Id live there tbh, it seems so pretty and has lots of potential! I wonder if Cascadia would be a good country too

I've got my fingers crossed for this idea. Being connected to both oceans would be a boon to the EAF

I've been aware of this for a few years and it has potential if the nations involved can unite the people as East Africans. Some African democracies suffer from tribal favoritism in their leaders and it could be a potential impediment but I wish them the best of luck

How do you make such maps and animals with flags incorporated? I would appreciate your making a video on how you make videos

I think the expansion of the economic union is fine but it could be a mistake to include DRC and to a lesser extend S. Sudan in the political union right off the bat. I think setting up a two tiered system for integration would make the most sense, and also create a framework which can later be extended to Zambia, Ethiopia, Somalia etc.

Am I the only one skeptical about this idea? one integration could take decades if all goes well and it looks like they are more interested in expanding the project than scaling it to realistic levels to further reduce their chances of success in the future, not to mention who will lead the federation?

if they take the DRC, then it wouldn't really be the "East African Federation" anymore. since it stretches so far west to the Atlantic at that point.

The idea of the EAF looks interesting to me, greetings from Australia!

While this makes sense from a economic and social perspective, one always has to keep in mind the political ramifications. Democracy doesn't just happen, and personally it's hard for me to expect the EAF to be democratic when the countries that make it up aren't so - Kenya and Tanzania are probably the most democratic, and even then they are quite flawed; Uganda and Rwanda are straight up dictatorships (albeit somewhat stable ones), and South Sudan and DR Congo are so chaotic I can't even tell. Are the leaders of these countries willing to give up power for the greater good, or does each individual administration see this as an opportunity to extend their own power? As such, I can't help but imagine that in the unlikely scenario that this plan works the EAF will just end up being ran by a Museveni-like character (or, you know, Museveni himself - I imagine that's how this plays through in his head). Side Note: You might ask yourself "What does it matter if all the countries aren't that great to begin with, that the EAf is democratic?" But, keep in mind that the primary, long-term issue this country will face is battling corruption: it's hard enough for democracies to fight corruption, and _much_ harder for dictatorships/oligarchies - even if the leaders _want_ to end it, offend just a few of the wrong guys and your're out of power, it's just how authoritarian states work. This is why ending corruption is so often associated with democratization.

This all comes down to what the EAF wants to be. If it wants to be an East African EU, then although the DRC, South Sudan, and Somalia have problems, it can let them in. However, if the EAF wants to create a nation, having these members would be against the interests of the original 5 and would make successful unification almost impossible. IMO they need both; they should keep the East African Community as an african EU, but they potential for full integration of the original 5 is too great and shouldn't be compromised by adding more members. DRC would increase the population by 50%, which would sideline the other members, and the majority of the country is not even part of the east african zone. And that's before you look at the chaos and corruption. South Sudan is very unstable, so unless they were willing to give the new country almost total control to end their problems I would not let them in. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda can balance each other in the federation, and are all fairly successful african countries. The benefits of Rwanda and Burundi are good, and they do not pose any big problems to the federation. The EAF could be a major player on the African and world stages, but if they can't actually unite and integrate this will not happen, so they should not try to be too ambitious with their expansion. The British Empire once ruled the world, but what have they got today? China, despite thousands of years, is still one nation. When they create this empire they need to decide if they want to be like China or like Britain.

Great video but what a head banger of a song choice

I think there should be gradual unification with Kenya and Tanzania leading the way and then Burundi and Rwanda following suit. This would ensure at the very least that the more commonly related countries would begin unification. Rwanda and Uganda have some issues to sort out and the Congo and S. Sudan honestly should not be included until the others are integrated with each other. This country has strong potential to work especially given it’s proximity to India which is a very pivotal trading partner for Kenya.

As a Tanzanian, this would be a good idea bit i dont think it will happen in the near future due to current political affairs

South Sudan is a source of undeveloped oil fields - that would be a supercharger for the success of the union.

i really hope this happens, and no corruption or infighting tears it down. These countries, especially Congo just need to catch a break

Is that the Deku Palace theme from Majora's Mask I hear starting from the beginning? 😆

I really look forward to seeing the EAF. I think a united African federation is just what the region needs hopefully they'll get over the differing cultures bit but if that happens they'll have a bright future. I do think they should just form with the core nations first and then add the more unstable ones on later but all in all, I wish this federation the best. Great Video btw

The additions of war-torn South Sudan and dirt-poor DRC to the proposal kind of don't make sense to me. Starting with the integration of the original 6 members and achieving relative stability should come before the additions of South Sudan and DRC

Whenever I first heard of the EAF I hoped it would happen and I still hope one day it will be a thing

I hope this does well in the long term, unlike most plans like this I see these ones are mostly realistic. It’s like “allow free trade and a consistent currency across this massive country and build roads to facilitate easier trade” and not “guys, let’s build a city in a straight line in the desert” If it all comes together it would probably lead Africa faster into modernity and stability

Can I make a video request: Bangladesh. I feel Bangladesh has a unique story due to how it started off as being a backwards third world country to now having a economy that has overtaken Pakistan. I would like to see it since, many Bengalis like me or those I have talked to seem to vaguely know what Bangladesh’s future could be, and it is interesting to think about.

EAC made a mistake in allowing new members before becoming a state.

Having south Sudan has its Cons and pros like having the niles and having power over Sudan and Egypt but south Sudan is very dangerous and i dont think They could do anything about and there tensions with Sudan is gonna be high

you know as a Sudanese person this is a conflicting feeling cause im happy to see these plans that could actually be successful however the acquirement of south Sudan is a a bit of an issue but in the end best of wishes to the the e.a.f

It would probably be a lot more viable with only Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. Mostly because of their more stable governments and economies and mutual use of Swahili and English as lingua franca.

Personally I see this potential Union as the greatest hope for a region I Care greatly about since that's where my father is from I just hope the country leaders can manage things well enough to allow this to be a possibility

Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya are surprisingly similar in almost everything and should definitely consider joining together.

with the drc it isn't even _eastern_ anymore, hence im thinking that those 5 original countries should start with the federation until they are able to unite to a single country, which obv will take time but at this point if it results it should be more stable and possible to expand further to south sudan and the drc

I would say no to Ethiopia because Ethiopia is the one country to not be a former colony. However, even without being in union, it still makes sense for Ethiopia and a future EAF to pursue a alliance of an economic, military, and social nature.

Sidenote: Africa was in disarray before it's colonization. It's instability is what made it ripe for European powers to exploit during events like the infamous Scramble for Africa in the first place.

Aren't DRC and Rwanda having some border issues rn? I remember seeing a DRC plane almost getting shot down by Rwanda

Hey H0ser, can you make an Australia vs the future?