EALA Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution undertakes benchmarking visit to the African Union
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 27th April, 2022: Eighteen Members of the East African Legislative Assembly Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution are currently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for a five-day benchmarking visit to the African Union Commission (AUC).
The overall objective of the 25th- 29th April, 2022 visit is to interact with AUC Stakeholders involved in Peace and Security, and Political Affairs as well as acquaint themselves with operationalization of the African Union’s peace, security and political programmes.
Furthermore, the Committee anticipates acquainting itself with the progress made, the challenges, as well as lessons learnt in terms of best practices including alternative financing modal for continental peace programs. The visit is set to strengthen EALA’s legislative and oversight mandate over EAC’s funding and implementation of continental peace and security protocols and programmes, thereby effectively contributing to the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts in the EAC region and the continent as a whole.
During their visit to the AUC, the Committee is expected to hold interactive sessions with the AUC Peace and Security Council (PSC) Secretariat and receive presentations from key Directors and Heads of Departments specifically those involved in matters related to defence, peace, security and political affairs.
In addition, the Committee will pay courtesy calls on relevant AUC Executive Offices in particular those responsible for peace, security and political affairs, and sustainable financing mechanisms for peace programmes.
At the end of visit, the Committee is expected to table a report of the benchmarking activity before the Assembly, which will generate debate and recommendations by the Assembly for consideration by the EAC Council of Ministers for implementation by EAC Partner States.
Notes to Editors
One of the fundamental principles of the East African Community is peaceful settlement of disputes and peaceful co-existence. In effect, the Community aspires to be a prosperous, competitive, secure, stable and politically united East Africa.
Article 124 of Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, recognizes that Peace and Security are pre-requisites to social and economic development within the Community and vital to the achievement of the objectives of the Community. Sustainable peace cannot be attained, until people feel safe, trust each other and capable of holding their governments accountable to guarantee their protection and accord them a peaceful and secure environment to live, reside, trade, and travel freely.
It is against this background that the Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution (RACR) conducted a benchmarking visit to study how the African Union is promoting the peace, security and stability on the continent and the expected role of RECS and Regional Parliaments and EALA in particular.
For more information, please contact:
Simon Peter Owaka
Senior Public Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department
EAC Secretariat
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: +255 768 552087
Email: sowaka [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of six Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The EAC Secretariat is ISO 9001: 2015 Certified