The East African Community is made up of eight countries; currently among them are Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the DRC, South Sudan, and recently added Somalia.
The protests, which started as a peaceful demonstration last week and have recently escalated into violent protests with protestors burning properties and blocking off roads, have made many truck drivers fear for their lives and merchandise as they were seen parking at the border.
The EAC is aimed at widening and deepening cooperation among the partner states in, among others, political, economic, and social fields for their mutual benefit.
The activities of the artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) have been very prominent in the gold sector, forming the basis of most discoveries such as the Tiira and Alupe gold mines, and that they have played a critical role in the local economic development if regulated well.