March 14, 1996: The new East African Co-operation is officially inaugurated in a colourful ceremony at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Stadium in Arusha. In an elaborate, carnival-like and solemn public ceremony attended by thousands of people, the three East African Presidents Daniel arap Moi (Centre), Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (Uganda-Left) and Benjamin William Mkapa (Tanzania-Right) were unequivocal in their support for the new regional initiative. They pledged to offer all necessary political, material and financial support to the secretariat to be based in Arusha under Mr. Francis Kirimi Muthaura of Kenya as the first Secretary-General. To witness the historic occasion were President Pasteur Bizimungu of Rwanda, Retired presidents Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Ali Hassan Mwinyi of Tanzania, OAU Secretary General Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim and Members of the Diplomatic community.

Photo|Nation Syndication