The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Republic of Tanzania, and also accredited to the EAC bloc, H.E. Egon Kochanke, today paid a courtesy call on Mr Liberat Mfumukeko, the Secretary General of the East African Community.
The Secretary General and his guest discussed a wide range of issues geared towards deepening cooperation between Germany and the East African Community.
Speaking during the discussion, the EAC Secretary General , Mr Liberat Mfumukeko, thanked the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany for its support to the EAC spanning the years since the re-establishment of the Cooperation between the three founding EAC Partner States to the present, when the Community has expanded to include the republics of Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan.
"We have truly benefited from the German support which has catalyzed other Development Partners to support our projects and programmes”
Burundi Peace Process
On the Burundi peace process, the EAC Secretary General , Mr Liberat Mfumukeko briefed H.E Egon Kochanke that Burundi has made substantial progress in establishing and maintaining peace and stability. He noted that attainment of peace and stability in Burundi amounts to peace and stability in the entire region, adding that regional and international stakeholders should actively engage in the attainment of these objectives.
South Sudan Accession to EAC
The EAC Secretary General informed the Germany Ambassador that South Sudan has been given six months to complete the ratification process of the Accession Treaty signed on 15th April 2016, after which the country will be a full member of the EAC.
On his part, H.E. Egon Kochanke congratulated Mr. Mfumukeko for his appointment and noted the impressive progress in the EAC integration process and re-affirmed to the Secretary General his country’s continued support to the EAC Projects and programs. "We are very happy with our relationship with EAC and I am looking forward to a strong partnership in the development of the regional bloc", asserted the Germany Ambassador.
Present at the meeting were the EAC Deputy Secretaries General in charge Planning and Infrastructure, Dr Enos Bukuku, and that of Political Federation, Mr Charles Njoroge, and other officials from the EAC Secretariat.
The Second Annual Conference on Leiden-East African Community (LEAC) Law was held yesterday as part of the annual commemoration of the Europe Day at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. The conference themed: ‘From Rules to Reality’ was graced by Amb. Roeland van de Geer, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania and to the EAC.
The Second Annual LEAC Conference was organised with the support of the EAC, the EU delegation to Tanzania, the East African Court of Justice and Europa Institute of Leiden Law School. It brought together judges, academicians, legal practitioners, business people and government and EAC officials to discuss the importance and opportunities for building a legal community to support and inspire East African integration including the steps needed to create a thriving legal community for the EAC, and how the community can work towards realising the set out objectives for the bloc and its citizens.
Addressing the gathering, Amb. Roeland van de Geer commended the leadership at the EAC Headquarters for hosting the event on behalf of the EU and pointed out that it was now a consolidated tradition for the EU and the EAC to organise, on the occasion of the EU Day, a conference on an important topic in the framework of EU’s support to the regional integration. “This year we chose to celebrate the launch of a textbook titled; EAC Law, Institutional, Substantive and Comparative EU Law Aspects”, the EU envoy affirmed.
On behalf of the EAC Secretary General Mr Liberat Mfumukeko, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Planning and Infrastructure, Dr. Enos Bukuku, hailed the EU for its valuable support and contribution to the EAC integration agenda affirming that; “Indeed, EU’s support in EAC’s programmes, activities and projects has made a significant impact on the integration agenda. He said EAC had benefited from exchange of knowledge and best practices from the EU, apart from the financial support. “We count on continued support from the EU as well as on exchange of information and experiences on integration.”
Dr Bukuku appreciated the efforts of the editors of the textbook on EAC Law which was launched at the event. The textbook is co-authored by Hon. Justice Dr Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, the Judge President of the East African Court of Justice; Prof. John Eudes Ruhangisa, Judge of the High Court of Tanzania and former Registrar of EACJ; Dr. Armin Cuyvers, Assistant Professor of EU Law at Leiden University and Co-Chair of the Leiden Centre for East African Law and Prof. Tom Ottervanger, Proffessor of EU Law at Leiden University and founder of the Leiden Centre for East African Law. Prof. Tom presented the first comprehensive textbook on EAC law to Dr Bukuku, who received it on behalf of the EAC Secretary General.
At the same occasion, Hon. Justice Dr Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, the Judge President of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) applauded the relationship EAC has fostered with the EU, stating that “EAC greatly values the strategic operations of the EU and upholds it as one of its very committed development partners”. “This book is result of a unique collaboration between the East African Court of Justice, the Leiden Centre for East African Law and an exclusive selection of EAC law experts in the different EAC Partner States.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. John Eudes Ruhangisa reflected on the main concerns of legal practitioners across the region and emphasised the need for Partner States to draw a line between supra-nationalism and inter-governmentalism as stipulated in the EAC Treaty.
”It is clear that the law within EAC takes precedence over national laws and hence Partner States should not use their sovereignty to derail the integration agenda”. The former and founder registrar of EACJ also identified different articles within the EAC Treaty that are in contradiction and urged Members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) to make both necessary and sufficient amendments to the EAC Treaty to avoid further misconceptions.
Among the panelists during the discussions were the Chair; Dr. Armin Cuyvers, Prof. Kennedy Gastorn (University of Dar Es Salaam Law School), Leonard Obura Aloo (Lecturer at University of Nairobi), Dr. Khotic C. Kamanga (University of Dar Es Salaam Law School) and Dr. Elvis Mbembe Binda (Lecturer at University of Rwanda).
Discussions centred on the essential questions on the creation of a legal community, the political commitment of the Partner States to the education of the next generation of EAC citizens, among others.
Other participants in attendance included university students mainly pursuing law within the EAC region as well as representatives from Civil Society Organisations, EAC Youth Ambassadors, and the East African Law Society.
The East African Community Secretariat, within the broad mandate of the Secretariat as prescribed under Article 71 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, intends to publish an East African Community Law Journal (Law Journal). Interested authors, willing to engage in discourses on East African Community law and able to abide with the following guidelines, are invited to submit scholarly manuscripts for consideration.
EAC Speakers are optimistic that the operationalization of the East African Parliamentary Institute (EAPI) shall go the mile in building capacities for legislators, Parliamentary staff and other stakeholders in Parliamentary practice and contribute to widening and deepening integration.
The operationalization is expected in the next Financial Year once the EAPI Act, 2011, is gazetted by the EAC Council of Ministers. In addition, the EAC Bureau of Speakers considered a number of key areas deemed to strengthen integration as they held a one day Forum in Arusha, on April 29th, 2016.
In the regard, National legislatures and EALA are to commence on the process of budgeting within the Financial Year 2016/17 with the anticipated launch of the EAPI now in high gear. Under the EAPI Act, 2011, the EAC Speakers form the Board of Trustees and they are expected to act conclusively on where the Institute shall be hosted and advise the Council of Ministers on the same.
At the Bureau meeting, EALA Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega also took over the Chair from the Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, Rt Hon. Job Ndugai. The chair which is rotational is held by the Speaker for a year.
Speaker of the Kenya National Assembly, Rt Hon. Justin Muturi and Speaker of the Senate, Rt Hon. Ekwee Ethuro as well as the President (Speaker) of the Burundi Senate, Rt Hon. Reverien Ndikuriyo attended the Forum. Parliament of Rwanda was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Jean d’Arc Uwamaninpaye while the 2nd Deputy Speaker of the Burundi National Assembly, Hon. Edouard Nduwimana represented the Speaker, Rt Hon. Pascal Nyabenda. The Bureau received the apologies of the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda, Rt Hon. Rebecca Kadaga.
The Bureau of EAC Speakers further amended the Rules of Procedures governing the Forum. With it, the Speakers amended Clause 1.1 of the Rules to include the Speakers and Presidents of the Senate as members of the Forum. In addition, they revised clause 1.2 on definitions deleting the terms “National Assemblies/Parliaments” and substitute thereof with the words “National Legislature however designated” wherever they appear in the Rules.
The meeting also underscored the need of enhancing the functional relations between the National Legislatures and EALA. The National Legislatures have continued to play their oversight role on matters on EAC Affairs in their respective jurisdictions including the need to expedite amendments to the EAC Treaty.
It was agreed thus EALA submits the proposed amendments to the Treaty that it submitted to the EAC Council of Ministers with the National Legislatures. In addition, a workshop of the network of senior Parliamentary Officers is anticipated in the later half of the year.
In his remarks, the Speaker of EALA, Rt Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega reiterated the Bureau’s enormous contribution in strengthening the role of EAC Parliaments in the integration process in line with Article 49 (2) and 65 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC. He extended his appreciation to all Speakers of all the National Legislatures for the support extended to EALA during the Plenary Sittings in the respective Parliaments.
He noted that Parliamentary elections have by and large been democratic, contributing to the consolidation of democracy in EAC.
“I note that in 2015, new Members were elected to the Parliaments of Burundi and Tanzania and in year 2016, citizens of Uganda elected their representatives to the Parliament of Uganda. In the coming year, the Bureau expects citizens of the Republic of Kenya and the Republic of Rwanda to go through the same democratic process of giving their representatives fresh mandate”, Rt Hon. Kidega said.
He informed the Bureau of Speakers that EALA had passed the EAC Elections Act, 2012, which envisages formation of the EAC Elections Board whose functions inter alia include: developing, setting standards and advising Partner States on best electoral practices. The Board’s mandate is to harmonise electoral standards to be adhered to by the National Electoral Commissions, noting that this is a fundamental contribution by EALA towards strengthening electoral processes in the region as a way to consolidating democracy.
Rt Hon. Justin Muturi, Speaker of the Kenya National Assembly said it was vital for Partner States to move towards the alignment of national political activities and trends with regional integration objectives, deepen integration and rapid socio-economic transformation so as to prepare for and ultimately sustain the Political Federation. The Speaker presented an interesting paper on the “Role of the Speaker in maintaining discipline and decorum in the House”.
Speaker of the Senate of Kenya, Rt Hon. Ekwee Ethuro on his part, reiterated need for the African region to address critical issues with regards to elections and their aftermath.
Rt Hon. Ethuro who is also one of the six Vice Presidents of the Geneva-based Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) highlighted that as Kenya was preparing for elections in 2017, it needs to be cognizant of the fact that many crises in the region surround elections.
“Violent acts are becoming instruments of insecurity and therefore, we must confront the challenges being faced by the region. There is need for the region to act as “brothers and sisters” keepers and to help to find lasting solutions”, Rt Hon Ethuro said. The Senate of Kenya Speaker further appealed to the Bureau of Speakers to assist Burundi to foster peace and reconciliation in every possible way.
Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, Rt Hon. Job Ndugai remarked the United Republic of Tanzania was making great strides in its role as an active Member of EAC and EALA and observed that President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H. E. John Magufuli and his Rwanda counterpart, H.E. Paul Kagame, had inaugurated a One Stop Border Post (OSBP) on the 6th April, 2016, which is an important milestone towards facilitating Regional Trade and deepening EAC integration.
President of the Senate of Burundi, Rt Hon. Reverien Ndikuriyo, highlighted concerns orchestrated by international media emanating from a move to reject the candidature of President Pierre Nkurunziza for a third term by the opposition and the civil society were merely perceptions. He said such perceptions had culminated into violence and termed such reports as hype and part of an international conspiracy to destabilize Burundi.
On terrorism, Rt Hon. Ndikuriyo noted with concern the damage and pain inflicted by the atrocious acts to the globe. He asserted Burundi’s position that there were no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ terrorists, and that all such groupings have to be fought ferociously. He thus challenged his EAC counterparts to stand together in solidarity to protect the destiny of the Community.
Deputy Speaker of the Burundi National Assembly, Hon. Edouard Nduwimana noted that Burundi is facing financial challenges due to economic sanctions imposed by the European Union. He appealed to the EAC Partner States to beseech for the lifting of all sanctions. Hon. Nduwimana further affirmed that Burundi was ready to put in place all pieces of legislation required for the success of the EAC integration and to promote Inter-Parliamentary co-operation.
Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Rwanda, Hon. Uwamaninmpaye Jean d’Arc commended the Bureau of Speakers for creating an opportunity for the Parliament to assess the achievements made, share experiences and challenges facing Speakers in their duty.
She noted that Rwanda had made tremendous progress since it joined the EAC in 2007 and the country was already reaping from the benefits of been part of the bloc. She informed the meeting that Rwanda had embarked on a policy to facilitate free movement of people, goods and services by removing all barriers that hindered trade within the region.
The one-day meeting was preceded by a two-day meeting of Clerks which, among other things, reviewed the mandate of the Bureau, discussed modalities of operationalisation of the East African Parliamentary Institute and reviewed several emerging challenges in legislature in the region.
The Bureau of the EAC Speakers is the umbrella body that EALA and the National Assemblies utilise to champion the cause of Parliaments in the region, that of enacting legislation, oversight and representation and plays a key advisory role to the Summit of the EAC Heads of State.
On 25 April 2016, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera handed over the seat of Secretary General to Mr Libérat Mfumukeko.
Mr Libérat Mfumukeko was appointed to the position on 2 March 2016 by the Summit of the EAC Heads of State for a single five-year term. Prior to his appointment as Secretary General, Mr Mfumukeko served the East African Community in the capacity of Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration.
Mr Mfumukeko joined the EAC from another position of leadership – Director General, Burundi Water and Electricity Utility (REGIDESO), the last position he held prior to joining the EAC. He has also held the Chairmanship of the Steering Committee of the East African Power Pool (EAPP).
Mr Mfumukeko brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new position, with vast international experience including the establishment of the Burundi Investment Promotion Authority (API) in 2009.
The new Secretary General boasts international, intercultural and linguistic skills, with fluency in French, English, Kirundi, Kiswahili and Russian as well as having worked in France, Russia, USA, DR Congo, Rwanda, Ivory Coast and Cameroon.
The 11th Meeting of the EAC Bureau of Speakers is to take place in Arusha on Friday this week (April 29th, 2016).
Speakers from the EAC Parliaments (National Assemblies/Senates) and EALA are expected to be in attendance and shall discuss weighty matters of relevance to the integration process. The meeting is expected to revisit and make amends to the Rules of Procedure of the Bureau of EAC Speakers that guide the Forum. The meeting will also see the handover of the Chair of the Bureau of Speakers from the Parliament of Tanzania to the East African Legislative Assembly.
The one day meeting shall be preceded by a meeting of Clerks (April 27th and 28th, 2016) which among other things shall review the mandate of the Bureau, discuss modalities of operationalization of the East African Parliamentary Institute (EAPI) and a number of topical issues on emerging challenges in legislature in the region. The report of the key meeting will feed into that of the Speakers’ Forum for consideration.
The Bureau of the EAC Speakers is the umbrella body that EALA and the National Assemblies utilise to champion the cause of Parliaments in the region, that of enacting legislation, oversight and representation and plays a key advisory role to the Summit of the EAC Heads of State.
The Bureau holds meetings annually under the guidance of a Chairperson who is elected under the principle of rotation. The inaugural meeting of the Bureau of Speakers was held in May 2008. The decision making process of the Bureau of Speakers is by consensus.
The Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community places emphasis on the need for EALA and the National Assemblies of Partner States to liaise in several ways in matters related to the Community.
Article 49(2) (1) of the Treaty provides that "The Assembly (EALA) shall liaise with the National Assemblies of Partner States on matters relating to the Community”.
H.E. Ali Hassan Mwinyi, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, over the weekend presented Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, the EAC Secretary General, with the final observation report from the recently concluded General Elections held in 18th February 2016, in the Republic of Uganda. The ceremony took place at the residence of the Former President in Dar es salaam, Tanzania.
“I was very happy to observe the patience and orderliness with which the people of Uganda conducted her General Elections," said H.E. Ali Hassan Mwinyi. “These and many other things that have also been highlighted in the report, can be used as benchmarks for which other countries can borrow good practices from,” he added.
While receiving the Report, the Secretary General thanked the Former President for his leadership and commitment to the EAC Elections Observers Mission, adding that, “the cooperation between the EAC and other stakeholders led to sustainable peace in the country."
The report consists of recommendations to streamline and improve the electoral process for future in the Republic of Uganda. The EAC Observer Mission Report will be submitted to, among others, the Electoral Commission of Uganda, through the EAC Council of Ministers for consideration and implementation.
Construction of the Aga Khan University (AKU) is in the offing in Arusha, Tanzania and the move is viewed as a catalyst for positive transformation that will see the city expand as the intellectual, social and political hub for East Africa. The Arusha Campus project which is part of a planned US$ 500 million expansion in East Africa by H.H the Aga Khan, seeks to enroll Arts and Science students from across the region, notably from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan. There will be two graduate professional schools in the first phase; Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism and Architecture and Human Settlement.
In solidarity, EAC Executives paid a visit to the proposed site situated 4km from Arusha Airport on Dodoma road. The site covers 3200acres out of which the potential area for development rests on 1700acres.
On behalf of the EAC Secretary General Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Jesca Eriyo accompanied the Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly, Rt Hon. Daniel Kidega and the Judge President of the East African Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Emmanuel Ugirashebuja to the Aga Khan University (AKU) site in Arusha.
Receiving the Executives from EAC was the Director, Aga Khan University Campus Development in Tanzania, Nizar Jaffer Somji. Others were the Diplomatic Representative of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Uganda;,Mahmood H. Ahmed; the Director of Site and Facilities, Murad Jivan; Resident Architect, Amina Hirani; Special Projects Manager, Azmina Jivan; Resident Representative, Amin Kurji; Nursery Manager, Roshan Hemani and Community Engagement Officer,Lazaro Ole Mongoi.
In 2007, H.H the Aga Khan announced plans to build a major new university campus in Arusha. The decision to erect a new campus in Arusha stemmed from his faith in the future of the East African Region. The new development represents the biggest expansion for AKU since it opened its first campus in Karachi, Pakistan about 25 years back.
AKU’s ambitious 15 year-plan includes a significant commitment of global resources to the East African region through the expansion of the University’s presence in Arusha, transforming EAC’s capital into a “regional intellectual epicenter".
Before a tour of the site was a presentation on the site plan outlining some of the facilities the project will offer in its first phase. These include: a primary and secondary school, a university, housing for students and staff, a training hotel and retail outlets and a university hospital in future.
Currently, the design plan for the construction of the project is at its final stages and execution of the design plan is expected to commence soon after its completion. On-site activities within the project include a reforestation programme which is ongoing and community engagement activities such as health camps, community based savings groups, fodder distribution among others.
In his remarks, the Speaker was utterly impressed with the project plan and commended AKDN’s efforts to not only invest in a bid to make profit but also to benefit the surrounding population, an effort he termed as ‘humanitarian capitalism’. He remarked that the Assembly was keen to enact relevant piece(s) of legislation that would anchor the vision of the Aga Khan.
Being her first visit to the Arusha Campus site, the Deputy Secretary General stated that she was eager to see the project materialize. Hon. Jesca Eriyo also emphasized that; “The community needs to know that the project is for their benefit therefore raising awareness about the project, creating job opportunities for the youth within the project and identifying areas of co-investment and partnerships with the locals by engaging CSOs and other community based interest groups is key in order to build the capacity of the community economically as underpinned in the project’s objectives.”
The EACJ Judge President concluded with a congratulatory message to H.H the Aga Khan for the success of the Aga Khan Foundation projects so far, adding that the EAC is highly committed to offer as much support to ensure that the upcoming project is a success for the benefit of future EAC generations.
The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera met and held discussion with President Elect of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Wednesday 13th April 2016, at State in Entebbe, Uganda.
Amb. Sezibera congratulated President Museveni upon his resounding victory in Uganda’s February 2016 General Elections and hailed him for his firm support to the EAC integration agenda.
Amb. Sezibera, whose 5-year term comes to an end on 25th April 2016, briefed President Museveni on the milestones so far achieved in the Single Customs Territory, Common Market, Monetary Union and several infrastructure projects within the Community.
His Excellency commended the outgoing Secretary General for his dedicated service to the Community and wished him well in his future endeavors.
His Excellencies Presidents Salva Kiir Mayardit of the Republic of South Sudan and Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Chairperson of the East African Community Heads of State Summit are scheduled to sign the Treaty of Accession of the Republic of South Sudan into the East African Community (EAC) on Friday 15th April 2016 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
At their 17th Ordinary Summit held on 2nd March, 2016 in Arusha, Tanzania, the EAC Heads of State received the report of the Council of Ministers on the negotiations for the admission of the Republic of South Sudan into the Community and decided to admit the Republic of South Sudan as a new member. The Summit then designated the Chairperson, His Excellency President Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli of The United Republic of Tanzania, to sign the Treaty of Accession with the Republic of South Sudan.
MEDIA ALERT
All Local and Foreign Journalists intending to cover the Signing Ceremony are alerted that the Accreditation Process will commence from the afternoon of Wednesday 13th April 2016 at the Maelezo offices (Tanzania Information Services-TIS) located on the 9th Floor of the Golden Jubilee Towers on Ohio Street in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
