Court hears matter challenging the construction on East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline
East African Court of Justice, 3rd March, 2022: The East African Court of Justice First Instance Division has adjourned the hearing of Application No. 29 of 2020 seeking a temporary injunction restraining the Governments of Uganda and Tanzania from constructing the Crude Oil Pipeline pending determination of the main case.
The main case (Reference No. 39 of 2020 Center for Food and Adequate Living Rights & 3 Others vs The AG Uganda, Tanzania and Secretary General EAC, challenges a decision to construct an East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) in the Republic of Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Before the hearing of the Application started, the Solicitor General of Tanzania, Mr. Gabriel Malata representing the Attorney General, raised a Preliminary Objection (PO) on whether the Court has jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter. The Court ruled that the issue will be dealt with in the merits of the Reference and deliver a judgment.
The Applicants in the Reference allege that the Crude Oil Pipeline project is alleged to be environmentally untenable and will extend to protected areas in East Africa with undue regard to livelihoods, gender, food security, children, and public health of East Africans.
They further allege that, the Pipeline will pass through areas of settlements, farmlands, and water sources for thousand of indigenous people and there has been no consideration of their rights, which is a violation of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
The Applicants are Civil Society Organizations within the region namely, Center for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT), African Institute for Energy Governance (AFRICOG), Natural Justices Kenya, and Center for Strategic Litigation Limited.
The matter came before Honourable Justice Yohane Masara (Principal Judge), Justice Dr. Charles Nyawello, Justice Charles Nyachae, Justice Richard Muhumuza, and Justice Richard Wejuli.
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.
Tags: EACJ