Posted in Press Release
EALA is rooting for an effective continental Assembly and one with legislative powers. Consequently, EALA yesterday afternoon passed a Resolution urging EAC Partner States to urgently sign, ratify and deposit the required instruments of the amended Protocol to the Constitutive Act of the African Union. This shall enable the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) to achieve one of its important pillar of legislation.
The Resolution presented to the House by Hon. Chris Opoka, on behalf of Hon. Mike Sebalu, notes that PAP has been exercising limited oversight, advisory role and consultative powers to the African Union, as the Organ that represents all peoples of Africa and the interests of Africans in the diaspora.
EALA qualifies to be a Parliament given its full legislative, oversight and representative nature. On its part, PAP is a deliberative body with consultative and advisory body. It is ideal that we have a PAP in both spirit and character as is EALA.
The Debate of the Resolution was stood over at the Plenary Sitting in Nairobi. Hon. Dr Odette Nyiramilimo moved under Rule 30 (c) to postpone debate on the motion to give Members time to consult the documents and the necessary Protocol to enrich the debate in future.
According to the mover, PAP which has been in existence for eleven years had 5 Presidents at the helm of the body. It has an overlapping nature that needs a defined term. At the moment, Members of PAP belong to National Assemblies / Parliaments and with the high turn-over at national assemblies, there is institutional challenges, Hon. Sebalu said.
The Heads of State and Governments of the African Union adopted the amended Protocol to the Constitutive Act of the African Union relating to the Pan-African Parliament on June 27th, 2014 at its Twenty-Third Ordinary Session held in Malabo in Equatorial Guinea. According to the Resolution, the amended Protocol requires 28 ratifications from AU Member States for it to come into force.
EALA is concerned that only 6 countries have signed the Protocol with only the Republic of Mali ratifying and depositing the instrument. The move has led the Pan-African Parliament to set itself a target of 2016 as the target for achieving all the required 28 ratifications.
Posted in Press Release
EALA has moved a Resolution congratulating President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr John Pombe Joseph Magufuli following his election as the fifth President of the United Republic of Tanzania. EALA further commends the people of the United Republic of Tanzania on their commitment to peace and democracy during the General elections.
At the same time, EALA wants H.E. Dr John Pombe Joseph Magufuli to address the Assembly at the earliest opportunity.
“Aware of the credible elections held in Tanzania, we would like to seize this great opportunity to extend to His Excellency, President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli our warmest congratulations and to wish him every success at a time of great expectations in Tanzania, the East African Community and Africa in general in terms of national unity, prosperity of the people in maintaining the position as a strong champion for regional integration and democracy in Africa. We would also like to extend our sincere congratulations to the CCM party for the renewed confidence and trust by the people of the United Republic of Tanzania to spearhead their aspirations for a great future. We commend the opposition fraternity for a well fought battle, for behaving responsibly after the defeat, keeping in mind the peace and security which are the common interest are above any other individual interest”, a section of the Resolution says.
The Resolution moved by Hon. Jeremie Ngendakumana recognises and takes pride in the success of the United Republic of Tanzania which it avers has made history in what could be the most competitive Presidential elections ever since multiparty politics commenced.
The Assembly further appreciates the brilliance and tone of campaigns demonstrated which exemplifies maturity and vitality of democracy in Tanzania.
The general elections of 25th October 2015 in Tanzania were the fifth since the re-introduction of the multiparty democracy in 1992 and therefore, constituted another important step towards the consolidation of democracy. Since the first multiparty elections in 1995, the United Republic of Tanzania has enjoyed peaceful transfer of political power in conformity with the constitutionally established Presidential limits.
Hon. Mumbi Ngaru noted that the election of Dr Magufuli as President and that of H.E. Dr Samia Suluhu, as the first woman Vice President, was good show for the women of East Africa. She remarked that Tanzania had realised significant maturity in the politics.
Hon. Taslima Twaha remarked that whilst the elections had produced the President of United Republic of Tanzania, the Zanzibar Elections Commission had declared the elections in Zanzibar a nullity.
“The international community has called on President Magufuli to endeavour to expeditiously end the stalemate. I propose that we add this matter on the Resolution”, Hon. Twaha said. Hon. Maryam Ussi said the issue of Zanzibar was work in progress.
Hon. Peter Mathuki said President Magufuli had taken on to fighting corruption wholeheartedly and this in the long run would prove to be useful to the country.
Hon. Dora Byamukama said H.E. Dr Magufuli had good credentials. “We should adopt the slogan of Hapa Kazi Tu (loosely translated to Time to work is now) across the entire region”, she said.
Hon. AbuBakr Ogle said the region needed the energy and stamina as exhibited by H.E. Dr Magufuli. This should be sustained. He said the process in Zanzibar was objective and that challenges were realised when the counting process began.
Hon. Adam Kimbisa said the President had carried out civil campaigns devoid of ethnic or divisionary tactics while Hon. Sara Bonaya said there were vital lessons that the rest of the region could pick up on.
Hon. Martin Ngoga remarked that the historic ideology of deploying graduates and students in other regions of work and schooling was necessary towards consolidating the prevailing peace.“We must congratulate the founding father of the nation and the subsequent leaders”, he said.
The Minister for EAC, Republic of Uganda, Hon. Shem Bageine remarked that the President was keen in ensuring infrastructure is maintained up to the best standards.
The Council of Ministers also looks forward to his contribution when it comes to assent to Bills and the uptake of the Political Federation as well.
Yesterday, however, Hon. Dr Kessy Nderakindo said the elections in Zanzibar were yet to be completed. She said United Republic of Tanzania was lucky to have tolerance.
Hon. Shyrose Bhanji said the Head of State had in his acceptance speech to Parliament prioritised road and rail network, revive industries and enhancement of the Dar es Salaam port. All this are measures that will enhance the integration of East Africa.