East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 27th November, 2019: The EU Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community, H.E. Manfredo Fanti, and the EAC Secretary-General, H.E. Libérat Mfumukeko, today launched a new 10 million Euros (approx. TShs25.38 billion) joint programme to address regional and cross border security threats in the region.
The programme is a regional response to the various and growing security threats across the EAC region. It will work both on enhancing the technical capacities and building trust between the law enforcement agencies in the EAC Partner States. Without mutual trust, data and information will not be shared. The shared aim is to intercept those engaged in transnational organised crime.
East African Community Secretariat, Arusha, Tanzania, 12th August, 2019: The 12th Edition of the East African Community Military Games and Cultural Event is currently underway at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi, Kenya.
The event which runs from 11th to 26th August, 2019 has drawn 500 sportsmen and sportswomen from the Defence Forces in all the six EAC Partner States, namely: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 13th July, 2019: The Chiefs of Prisons/Correctional services of the EAC Partner States held an Extra-Ordinary Meeting in Kampala,Uganda from 11th to 12th July 2019. The meeting was convened to validate and adopt a Capacity Building Training Needs Assessment on Human Rights within the Prisons/Correctional Services of the EAC Partner States.
The meeting, chaired by the Commissioner General of Rwanda Correctional Service, Mr. Andrew Rwigamba, was attended by the Commissioner General of the Kenya Prisons Service, Mr. Wycliffe Ogallo, the Commissioner General Uganda Prisons Service Dr Johnson Byabashayija, while the Commissioner General of Prisons United Republic of Tanzania was represented by DCP John Masunga, the Director General Burundi Penitentiary Service by Mr. Aloys Habonimana and the Director General South Sudan Prisons Service by Maj Gen Longar Wol Dhel.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 27th June 2019: A five-day regional Refresher training workshop to raise awareness of EAC Women Security Officers on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325(UNSCR 1325) is underway at the Beach Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda.
The 25th -29th June workshop is dedicated to increasing knowledge, skills and awareness on the UNSCR 1325 to Security Women Officers with the intention of promoting the role of women in Peace and Security, specifically at policy level so as to build a formidable force of women officers trained on Women Peace and Security
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 25th April, 2019: The East African Community, in partnership with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Indian Ocean Commission have over the last three years been implementing the ESA-IO Maritime Security Strategy with a Euro 37.5 Million seed funding from the European Union. Among the interventions envisaged is the enhancement of the Capacity of the Criminal Investigations Authorities of the participating states to effectively and efficiently investigate crimes at sea in a manner that provides a successful legal finish. The EAC was entrusted with this result area and commenced training of investigators on General investigations, Forensic Investigations and Criminal Analysis. Six intermediate trainings, targeting 50 officers per cluster were held between January and June 2018.
The advanced trainings for the same officers in each of the clusters commenced with the training of 50 officers on Criminal Analysis that commenced on 23rd April 2019 in Mauritius. The trainings will take place within a two week period ending May 5th 2019. The trainings are being held at the Mauritius Prisons Training School in Port Louis. INTERPOL, within the context of the MoU between EAC and it (INTERPOL) concluded in 2012, is providing the technical expertise.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 4th April, 2019: The 30th meeting of the East African Community Sectoral Council on Cooperation in Defence is currently underway in Arusha, Tanzania. The Sectoral Council on Cooperation in Defence has been convened pursuant to Article 10 of the EAC Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs.
On the Agenda of the Meeting are various items related to strengthening and widening the regional integration agenda in the Defence sector, namely: the Status of Implementation of Previous Decisions of the Sectoral Council; Reports of the After Action Review for the 11th EAC Armed Forces Field Training Exercise USHIRIKIANO IMARA 2018; Evaluation of the 11th EAC Armed Forces Field Training Exercise USHIRIKIANO IMARA 2018, and; the Report of the Initial Planning Conference for the 12th EAC Military Games and Cultural Event 2019.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 22nd February, 2019: The Meeting of the Chiefs/Directors of Health Services of the EAC Partner States’ Armed Forces concluded on Thursday 21st February 2019 at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The meeting was convened in accordance with Article 2 of the EAC Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs and pursuant to the EAC Defence Sector Calendar of Activities for the period January - June 2019.
Heads of Delegation are as follows:-
Maj (Dr) Desire Harumukiza lead the Burundi delegation, while Brig. GK Ng’ang’a was Kenya’s Head of Delegation. Rwanda was led by Col (Dr) Chryso Kagimbana, South Sudan by Maj Gen (Dr) Peter Ajak Bulen , United Republic of Tanzania by Maj Gen (Dr) Janga, and Uganda was by Maj Gen (Dr) Ambrose Musinguzi.
The meeting discussed and shared information on health matters and reviewed the status of implementation of previous decisions of the Sectoral Council on Cooperation in Defence in regard to the health sector.
Notes to Editors
After realizing the serious risk posed by HIV/AIDS and other health threats to the EAC Partner States’ Armed Forces, the Sectoral Council on Cooperation in Defence directed that the Armed Forces initiate co-operation in Health/Medical matters.
In that regard, an operational forum for the Chiefs and Directors of the Health Services of the EAC Partner States’ Armed Forces was established to draw strategies and measures to mitigate health threats to the EAC Partner States’ Armed Forces.
At its 29th Meeting held on 26th October 2018 in Arusha, Tanzania, the Sectoral Council on Cooperation in Defence made several Decision, among them were:-
(i) EAC Secretariat was directed to constitute a Defence Expert Working Group (DEWG) to study the offer, carry out assessment and evaluate the Medical Modelling and Simulation Centre in the Republic of Rwanda and come up with modalities for sharing the facility;
(ii) The Republic of Rwanda was urged to offer the Radiotherapy Centre at Rwanda Military Hospital for joint utilization; and
(iii) Rotational meetings of the Chiefs/Directors of Medical Services of the EAC Partner States are maintained.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 17th January, 2019:The planning meeting for the 12th EAC Armed Forces Command Post Exercise (CPX) USHIRIKIANO IMARA 2019, which is scheduled to take place in the Republic of Uganda towards the end of 2019 is on-going at the EAC headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The 15th - 18th January 2019 meeting is taking place in accordance with Article 2 of the EAC Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs and pursuant to the EAC Defence Sector Calendar of Activities for the period January - June 2019.
The meeting is expected to develop the methodology of the exercise and the distribution of various themes to Partner States ,come up with administrative and logistics plan as well as shared costs among the Partner States
Furthermore, the meeting is discussing Host Nation responsibilities, transport, accommodation, office expendables, feeding and messing, communication, medical, uniforms, ceremonies, maps and charts.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Secretariat, Arusha, Tanzania, 4th December14, 2018: The 6th East African Community University Students debate on regional integration kicked off today at the Nkrumah Hall, Julius Nyerere Campus of the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Speaking when he officially opened the debate, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr Charles Njoroge, cautioned young people within the EAC against falling victim to migrant smuggling as they look for greener pastures across national borders.
Mr Njoroge said that crafty persons and cartels had taken advantage of young people seeking better opportunities out of their countries.
Mr Njoroge said that the problem of migrant smuggling had been compounded by insufficient systems and corruption, which hinder national and international efforts to combat transnational and cross-border crimes.
The DSG said that as the integration deepens, there was an overwhelming movement of people across the borders, adding that this free movement comes with various challenges including trafficking of persons, migrant smuggling, drug trafficking and terrorism.
He said that the EAC was undertaking various initiatives to promote continuous dialogue among the youth and enhance their participation in moving the regional integration process forward.
A total of 30 students from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda are participating in the debate that is aimed at picking a Youth Ambassador and Deputy Youth Ambassador from each EAC Partner State. There were no participants from South Sudan.
The theme of this year’s debate is: Border management to address migrant smuggling and corruption at borders for stability and social economic development in the East African Community – Role and Implications of the youth.
“Our Youth Ambassadors are a tested group of young leaders. The selection process is highly competitive and subsequent capacity building programme ensures that the youth leaders are well nurtured and groomed for furthering personal and regional development of EAC,” said Mr Njoroge.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Cuthbert Kimambo, the Deputy Vice Chancellor-Research, at the University of Dar es Salaam, said the debate was a noble initiative that could be used to bring young people to discuss pertinent issued concerning the EAC.
“The University of Dar es Salaam firmly believes that the youth are a key stakeholder in the entire EAC integration process and we need to engage them in matters of East African integration at each step of the way,” said Prof. Kimambo.
Prof. Kimambo said the debate was a perfect venue for identifying young people who were passionate about the integration process and who would in turn sensitize their peers on the EAC integration process.
In his remarks, Mr. Esayas Abebe, the Head of Programme, GIZ Support to the African Union Border Programme, said the debate was a smart endeavour by the EAC to inclusively involve its citizens in order to strengthen the sense of “East African-ness” of its young citizens who are both the present and future of the region.
Mr Abebe said the debate would also inspire policies about tackling cross-border crimes when building an integrated region.
Mr Abebe said that 27 million young people leave their countries of birth to seek employment abroad as international migrants.
In his remarks, the Deputy Ambassador of Germany to Tanzania and EAC, Mr. Jörg Herrera, acknowledged the significance of border management in integration processes. He further emphasized the long standing commitment of Germany in technical and financial support towards integrated border management.
The Deputy Ambassador noted the importance of involving the youth in the effort to combat migrant smuggling and corruption through effective border management. "The youth shall raise awareness about the value of regional integration within the community and form and foster the integration process within the EAC in order to pass on this cooperative spirit to future generations," noted Ambassador Herrera.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
The Summit of EAC Heads of State in 2008 decided on the deepening sensitization and awareness creation for greater political will as a means for realization of the East African Political Federation. University Students Debate and sensitization was adopted as one of the strategies.
The 1st EAC University Students Debate on regional integration was held in August 2012. The aim of the debates is to provide a regional platform to promote dialogue among university students and interest them in advocating for regional integration initiatives.
As an outcome of the debates, two youth are appointed to represent each country as EAC Youth Ambassador and Deputy Youth Ambassador. These Youth Ambassadors act as focal points in their respective universities, collaborate with the EAC Secretariat in sensitizing their peers on the EAC integration process, benefits and challenges. The EAC Council of Ministers declared the EAC University Students Debate an annual event.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 9th November, 2018: The 11th East African Community Armed Forces Field Training Exercise (FTX) codenamed “Ushirikiano Imara” 2018 was kicked off on Friday in Muheza District, Tanga, Tanzania.
The main objective of the FTX is to train the participants of the Combined Joint Task Force in planning and conducting Joint Peace Support Operations, Disaster Management, Counter-Terrorism and Counter Piracy.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Tanzanian Minister of Defence, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi said the joint exercises would enable members of the Armed Forces to share knowledge and skills on matters pertaining to defence and security.
“I am profoundly pleased that the exercise has taken on board a wide range of institutions like the Police Force, Prison Service, Immigration Department, Intelligence Services, Counter Terrorism Services, Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, Community Development as well as the Red Cross apart from members of military,” said Dr. Mwinyi.
The Minister hailed the EAC Partner States for their active participation in the concept development, conference initial planning, and final planning conferences that enabled the exercise to take place.
“This is a vivid testimony that you have attached considerable value to this exercise and the entire integration within our community. Indeed, it is such commitment that is likely to propel us further in our endeavours,” added Dr.Mwinyi.
On his part, EAC Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, in a speech read on his behalf by the Chairperson of the EAC Defence Liaison Officers, Brigadier General Geoffrey Tumusiime, said that the Exercise was being conducted under the platform of the EAC Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs.
“It is in line with a series of Joint Training Exercises conducted on a rotational basis in EAC Partner Statesaimed atenhancing the capabilities of the EAC Partner States’ Defence Forces, Police, Civilian Components and other key stakeholders in conducting joint operations,” said Amb. Mfumukeko.
“I take this opportunity to applaud the Partner States’ Armed Forces, Police, Civilian Components and all other Stakeholders for their commitment in participating in these joint exercises. I also commend our Defence Forces for going beyond the training exercises and undertaking joint operations in various missions such as MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of Congo, AMISON in Somaila, UNAMID in Darfur and other missions within and beyond the region, said the Secretary General
The Chief of Defence Forces in Tanzania, General Venance Mabeyo, said the contemporary political and security challenges facing the region and the word at large, calls for the regional attention to enhance the capacity to maintain peace and stability with the aim of creating conducive environment for social-economic development in the region.
“I am pleased to note that the conduct of this Exercise is yet another significant milestone towards the operationalization of our cooperation in Defence in the region,” said Gen. Mabeyo.
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For more information, please contact:
Mr Owora Richard Othieno Head, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department EAC Secretariat Arusha, Tanzania Tel: +255 784 835021 Email: OOthieno [at] eachq.org
About the East African Community Secretariat:
The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation of five Partner States, comprising Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
