Court hears matter challenging the Govt of Rwanda over alleged refusal to pay debt of military equipment
East African Court of Justice, 22nd September 2021: The First Instance Division heard a case faulting the government of Rwanda over alleged refusal by the Government to pay the debt of the Applicant arising from the order of Military equipment supplied, that is Reference No. 11 of 2018 between Mironko Francois Xavier vs the Attorney General of Rwanda.
The Applicant who was represented by advocate William Ernest submitted that the Reference was filed within 2 months’ time as required by the Treaty. That the Applicant received the Ombudsman's letter on 4th April 2018 declining to propose his case for review by the Supreme Court of Rwanda and he filed his case to this Court on 4th June 2018.
The Applicant further submitted that this Court has jurisdiction to entertain the matter under Article 27 of the Treaty. Counsel William added that the acts being complained of, infringe Articles 6(d) & 7(2) of the Treaty and urged the Court to order that the Gov't of Rwanda committed injustice against the Applicant. He asked Court to order the government of Rwanda to pay the debt and other costs as it deems necessary.
The Respondent (Attorney General of Rwanda) represented by Mr. Nicholas Ntarugera, learned State Attorney counter submitted that the Cause of action arose in 1994 when the Ministry of Defense committed to pay a total Sum of 47,990,000 Belgian Francs for the goods (military equipments) supplied and the same Ministry didn't comply. He thus submitted that the Reference is time barred since the cause of action arose many years before it was filed contrary to Article 30(2) of the Treaty.
He further urged that the Court has no Appellate jurisdiction to handle appeals from national courts. He finally submitted that the acts being complained of against the Gov't does not constitute Treaty violation and no remedies sought should be granted.
The Court will deliver the Judgment on notice.
The matter came before Honourable Justices of the First Instance Division: Justice Yohane Masara (Principal Judge), Justice Audace Ngiye (Deputy Principal Judge), Justice Charles Nyachae, Justice Richard Muhumuza and Justice Richard Wabwire.
For more information please contact:
Yufnalis Okubo
Registrar
East African Court of Justice
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: 255-27-2162149
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About the East African Court of Justice
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.
Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the respective National Courts in the Partner States.
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