The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), based in Libreville, Gabon, was established on 18^th October 1983 by merging Central African Customs and Economic Union (UCEAC) and the Economic Community of the Great Lakes States (CEPGL). Sao Tomé & Principe and Angola became full members in 1999. Rwanda resumed full membership in 2002. ECCAS became operational in 1985. The over-arching objective of the Community is to establish a trade system between the Member Countries free of customs, administrative and other obstacles and to achieve economic integration.