The Secretary-General of the East African Community, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera has cautioned the international community that the world was at a crossroads and the outcome of the Paris Climate Conference shall either bequeath a better, safer planet to future generations, or “destroy our common heritage and our shared humanity”.
Speaking at the 21st Session of the Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), also serving as the 11th Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP11) currently underway in Paris, France, the Secretary-General expressed the wishes and expectations of the East African citizens on the Paris Climate Change talks and reckoned that the Agreement must take into consideration the interest of the vulnerable and poor by ensuring that adaptation is equally prioritised and differentiated responsibilities of developed and developing countries reflected in the Agreement.
Amb. Sezibera further urged that issues related to loss and damage associated with Climate Change impact must be firmly anchored in the agreement through the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage and country ownership of adaptation and mitigation programmes and projects, and ensure transparency in the provisions of financial, technology transfer and other forms of support including capacity building, which should be customised to specific needs of beneficiary countries.
“EAC is ready and committed towards supporting implementation of the Paris Agreement by supporting EAC Partner States through the process of ratification of the agreement to pave way for its early entry into force in 2020”, the Secretary-General reiterated.
The EAC official reaffirmed the region’s commitment to aligning its existing Regional Climate Change Policy (2011), the 5 year EAC Climate Change Strategy and Master Plan (2033) to the Paris Agreement as well as fast tracking the process for enacting a Regional Climate Change Bill through the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
He called for international support in the capitalisation of the EAC Climate Change Fund through pioneering the accreditation of EAC as a Regional Implementing Entities under the Adaptation Fund and the Green Climate Fund.
Speaking at the African Day of COP21 convened under the theme; Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs): implications, prospects and Africa’s readiness to contribute to climate solutions, the Secretary-General applauded the EAC Partner States for submitting their INDCs to address climate change mitigation and adaptation.
“Information included in the INDCs should facilitate negotiations and deliver a new Climate Agreement in Paris”, said the Secretary-General. He stated that region was looking forward to the implementation of INDCs based on associated support requirements of finance, technology transfer, and capacity building to be provided by the developed countries.
He asserted that EAC was fully in support of the continental climate resilient and low carbon development initiatives and programmes such as the Africa Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance, the African Adaptation and Loss and Damage Initiative, and the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative launched in Paris. The newly established EAC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency stands to contribute to the implementation of the latter Initiative.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference commenced on 30th November 2015 and is expected to close on 11th December 2015 by delivering a new global climate agreement negotiated by UNFCCC Parties under the Ad-hoc Working Group on Durban Platform for Enhanced Action.
Parliament of Uganda are the champs of the 2015 netball tournament. Parliament of Uganda beat Parliament of Kenya 45-9 in a one sided final played at the Amahoro Stadium yesterday.
Leading goal shooter, Hon. Susan Netasiire scored 33 points while Hon. Susan Amero scored 12 points for the victors. Parliament of Uganda dominated the entire match. The Parliament of Kenya replied through Hon. Dorcas Kedogo.
EALA finished third after dispatching Parliament of Rwanda 28-13. Hon. Judith Pareno and Idah Nakabhugo scored the points for the winners respectively. In men’s volleyball final, Parliament of Kenya beat Parliament of Rwanda 2 sets to 0 in a hotly contested match. The Kenyans won (25-20) and (25–20) respectively.
Today’s volleyball (women) finals will pit Parliament of Rwanda and Parliament of Kenya. The match shall be preceded by a third and fourth place finals featuring EALA and Parliament of Kenya.
In soccer, EALA will play Parliament of Uganda in the finals at the Kigali Memorial Stadium in Nyamirambo. EALA beat Parliament of Rwanda 1-0 on Tuesday while Parliament of Uganda sailed through after beating Parliament of Kenya 4-2 in penalties.
In Golf, Parliament of Kenya’s Hon. Kariuki won the tournament after garnering 36 pointers. Hon. Kariuki who is a handicap 12 beat closest challenger, Hon. Peter Mathuki of EALA, handicap 28 who got 25 points. Rwanda’s Hon. Mporanyi Theo scooped 22 points.
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) Annual Judges’ Seminar has opened in Nairobi, Kenya. The seminar which was organised by the Court in collaboration with Raoul Wallenberg Institute (RWI) is one of the activities the RWI supports to build the court’s capacity and increase its visibility among stakeholders.
The Judge President of the EACJ, Hon. Justice Dr Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, in his opening remarks commended the RWI for its continued support that had enabled the Court to build capacity through seminars and trainings for Judges, adding that RWI had also helped conduct sensitisation workshops for the Stakeholders.
Justice Ugirashebuja further said that the outcome of the seminar would benefit the Court by furnishing it with the experience of the European Court of Justice particularly in handling matters of preliminary rulings referred to Court by the National Courts for interpretation in accordance with the provision of Article 34 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
The Head of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute Office in Kenya, Mr Josh Ounsted, thanked the EACJ for its co-operation and partnership and pledged his organisation’s continued support to the Court.
The three-day workshop commenced on 9th December and will go on up to 11th December 2015. It is being attended by Judges of the Court’s Appellate and First Instance Divisions. The workshop is being facilitated by Ambassador Anders Kruse – a distinguished Speaker from Sweden – who will take the Judges through a number of sessions.
The seminar mainly focus on the following areas: the Comparative special character of Regional Courts: the general structure of the European Union (EU) Courts; the relationship between Member States and the EU; Development in EU Law and fundamental rights (rule of Law and right to fair trial within the European Court of Human Rights); Preliminary rulings in the EU; special characteristics and interaction between member states’ Courts and the EU; Limits to the EU Court’s jurisdiction and freedom; References for Preliminary Rulings: Comparative Perspective; European integration and role of the EU Court; the EU criminal and procedural laws, litigation before the European Court of Justice as well as a practitioner’s perspective.
During the seminar, the Court will also carry out the evaluation of its co-operation with the RWI and make recommendations for future directions and activities.
In attendance was also the Vice President of the Court, Justice Liboire Nkurunziza, Justice Aaron Ringera (Appellate Division), the Deputy Principal Judge, Justice Isaac Lenaola, Justice Fakihi Jundu (First Instance Division), Justice Audace Ngiye (First Instance Division) and the Acting Registrar of the EACJ, Her Worship Ms Geraldine Umugwaneza.
The East African Court of Justice Stakeholders’ conference which took place at Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya was officiated by the Integration Secretary in the State Department of East African Affairs & Ag. Permanent Secretary, Mr Barrack Ndegwa representing the Minister of East African Community Affairs Kenya, Hon. Phyllis J. Kandie, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Social Security and East African Affairs.
Mr Ndegwa reading the Statement for the Minister said that, the integration process of the East African Community has progressed in terms of social, cultural and economic integration. “Currently as one block, we are looking forward to a future that encompasses other regional blocks through the EAC-COMESA-SADC Tripartite Agreement. With such progress unfolding, we need strong dispute resolution mechanism more than ever and hence look up to our National and Regional Courts”, the Minister stated.
Hon. Kandie also emphasised the Kenya’s commitment in supporting the East African Court of Justice and stated that “As Kenya, we are very litigious society, very much concerned with our rights and frequently approach the courts for adjudication of our matters, therefore we are keen to ratifying the Protocol on the extension of the Jurisdiction of the Court”.
The Minister noted that, she is aware that the Treaty establishing the East African Community in Article 33 clearly outlines the relationship between National Courts and the East African Court of Justice and hence, there is need to increase awareness on the working relations to work together.
The President of the Court, Hon. Justice Dr Ugirashebuja also thanked the Government of Kenya specifically the Ministry of the East African Community Affairs, the Raoul Wallenberg Institute and Staff of the EACJ for bringing the initiative to fruition. His Lordship added that the EAC Integration is of utmost importance to all the Partner States in the region, economically, politically, and socially. He said that through integration and the development of an internal market, economic growth is inevitably stimulated.
Justice Ugirashebuja further stated that, “as regional integration experience has shown, law plays an absolutely vital role in integration. He added that it is law that provides the legal backbone of Regional Integration. It is law that provides concrete rights and benefits of Regional Integration to business and individuals. It is the law that allows free and efficient movement within the internal market. And it is also within the legal framework that the political actors meet and interact. Because of the importance of law, Regional Integration requires good co-operation between all the Partner States in the rule of law chain; Judges, lawyers, civil servants, academics, business and individuals. We must contribute to make the EAC living legal reality”, the President of the Court said.
His Lordship also said that the EACJ plays a crucial role in resolving disputes which would threaten the survival of a community. He added that without dispute resolution mechanism, the survival of the Community is at stake. The President further said that without the case law, and the many rules and principles that the Court has developed and will continue to develop, the Community will not arrive at where it aims to be.
Justice Ugirashebuja concluded saying that the effectiveness of the Court will largely depend on its relationship with the stakeholders. Their role is very vital in the development of the EAC Laws, jurisprudence and uniform interpretation and application of the EAC law. He finally said that, it is only jointly that the partners in the rule of law chain can develop the potential of East African integration and reap the benefits it offers. The President reiterated his sincere gratitude to everyone who raised the occasion with his / her presence.
The representative of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute (RWI) of Human Rights, Head Office Kenya, Mr. Josh Ousted thanked the EACJ for the good co-operation and partnership and pledged continuous support to the Court in increasing visibility and capacity building of the Court to promote the Regional Integration agenda.
The workshop was attended by the Judges of the EACJ, Members of the Civil Society Organisations, the legal fraternity, private sector, academia and media. Also in attendance was Ambassador Anders Kruse, distinguished Speaker from Sweden, Hon. Justice Aaron Ringera and Hon. Justice Isaac Lenaola, judges of EACJ who are from the Republic of Kenya, Ms Geraldine Umugwaneza, the Ag. Registrar of the East African Court of Justice and Staff.
The Court earlier on Monday, 7th December 2015 also had an editorial meeting to discuss the modalities of publishing the EACJ Law Report before end of the year with the support from Raoul Wallenberg Institute. Later, it also held a planning meeting to look into the new activities, plans and projects the Court will co-operate with the RWI for further support. The Court continues with the seminar of the Judges of the Court to increase capacity building and how the European Union Court operates.
The script is the same. However, the question on everyone’s lips is whether EALA shall maintain the tempo or if defending champions, Parliament of Uganda shall succeed in seeking vengeance when the two teams meet for the second time in the tournament - but this time around in the grand finale.
In the earlier group stages played during the week, EALA displayed crisp passes and held their own beating Uganda 2-1. Can they repeat the feat? or will Parliament of Uganda carry the day and win the tournament for the fifth time in a row? Time will tell but the matter shall be settled with finality on 10th December.
Today, EALA beat Parliament of Rwanda by a solitary goal notched in by Ibrahim Jamal after a one-two combination with Wyclif Ketto at the Kigali Regional Stadium in Nyamirambo to book a place in the finals.
In an earlier game, Parliament of Uganda beat a strong Parliament of Kenya 4-2 in post-match penalties following a goalless match in an entertaining match.
EALA started the game purposely with Wycliff Ketto missing to tap in the ball in the 5th minute with the keeper Emile Bosabose beaten. Ernestte Nshyimiyana replied with a counter-attack after dispossessing Hon Straton Ndikuryayo but he failed to beat the advancing EALA Goalkeeper.
Parliament of Rwanda thereafter piled pressure with creative striker, Rt Hon. Bernard Makuza leading the attack but the defence line marshalled by Peter Asiimwe and Hon. Straton Ndikuryayo held on.
Parliament of Kenya on their part will, however, rue over the missed chance. Right winger, Hon. David Ochieng had a field day, constantly running over the Parliament of Uganda left full-back, but the striking pair of Hon. Victor Munyaka and Hon. Augustin Netto failed to convert the passes. Hon. Shiniali then came in and made marauding runs on the left flank.
Parliament of Uganda also raided the Kenya backline looking for an early goal. Hon. Peter Ogwang fired a volley into the net past Kenya’s keeper, Hon. Kanini Kega but was adjudged to be offside.
The extra-time of ten minutes each was a balanced affair with each Parliament attacking and counter-attacking.
Parliament of Uganda scored four spot-kicks through Hassan Tindyebwa, Hon. Odonga Otto, Daniel Ssekide and Hon. Patrick Nsanja. Parliament of Kenya scored through Joram Baraza and Hon. Karanja while Stephen Njatta and Hon. Shinali penalties hit the woodwork.
“We failed to convert our chances, we could have wrapped it in the first half but it was not our day”, Kenya’s Head coach, Sylvester Ocholla was quoted as saying.
In women’s volleyball played at the Petite Stade, Parliament of Kenya beat Parliament of Uganda by 2 sets to 0 to book a final slot with Parliament of Rwanda. The Kenyans won both sets (25-13) and (25-15) respectively.
In the second match of the day (women), Parliament of Rwanda dismissed EALA 2 sets to 0. Parliament of Rwanda was too strong for the EALA side whitewashing them (25-5) and (25-10) in both sets.
The netball finals are expected to be held at the Amahoro Stadium tomorrow. Parliament of Rwanda will meet EALA in the 3rd and 4th place match before Uganda and Kenya face off to determine the winner. Also taking place at the Kigali Golf Club, Nyarutarama is golf.
Parliament of Rwanda is through to the finals of the Volleyball tournament where they shall meet with Parliament of Kenya.
Today, Parliament of Rwanda beat EALA by 2 sets to 0 in the first semi-finals of the match played at the Amahoro Petite Stade. Rwanda took the first set 25-20 and followed the feat winning 25-16 in the second set.
EALA finished on top of Group A while Kenya took first place in Group B.
In the second semi-final match of the day, Parliament of Kenya beat Parliament of Uganda by 2 sets to 0. The victors took the first set 25-8. They followed it with a second set win of 25-11 to set up what is expected to be a thrilling final.
Earlier on, EALA was awarded a walk-over against Parliament of Tanzania to get into the semi-finals. Parliament of Rwanda also garnered free points over Parliament of Burundi.
In Netball, Parliament of Uganda has earned a slot in the finals after dethroning Parliament of Rwanda 51-7. Hon. Sarah Netrasiire again was the toast of the team, netting 30 points in the one-sided match. They shall now face-off with Parliament of Kenya who beat EALA 15-8 in the second semi-finals. Hon. Dorcas Kedogo scored 13 points and Hon. Mshenga the balance of two points. EALA’s points were netted by Idah Nakabugo (6) and a double by Hon. Judith Pareno.
In athletics, Hon. Karungi Elizabeth led compatriot, Hon. Brenda Nabukhena on a one-two finish in the 200 metres dash. In the 400 meter race, Hon. Winnie Kiiza beat other contenders to cruise through in 1 minute and 30 seconds. Hon. Irabagiza Mediatrice was second in 1 min and 34 seconds while Hon. Henriette Ntabazi won the bronze in 1 min and 40 seconds.
In 800 metres race, Hon. Manirarora Annonce carried the day. In the men’s race, Kenya’s Hon. Dan Wanyama was first off the blocks in the 200 metres while another Parliament of Kenya legislator, Hon. Victor Munyaka crossed the 400 metres line in 56 seconds.
Parliament of Kenya also triumphed in the relays - 100 m x 4 and in the 400 m x 4. In the women’s race, Parliament of Uganda won the relays 100 m x 4 and the 400 m x 4 respectively.
In soccer, Group A leaders, EALA will face off with Parliament of Rwanda tomorrow at the Kigali Regional Stadium in Nyamirambo. The match shall be preceded by another semi-final pitting Parliament of Kenya and the defending Champions, Parliament of Uganda.
The 6th Inter-Parliamentary Games have commenced in Kigali, Rwanda with tug-of-war and athletic disciplines taking off to a competitive start.
In athletics, Senator Isaac Melly of Kenya made a dash to the line in 11.67 seconds to win the 100 metres race with compatriot, Hon. David Ochieng coming in second thirty seconds later. Former Boston Marathon Champion, Hon. Wesley Korir comfortably won the 800 meters race on 2 minutes 19 seconds while Hon. Kisoi Munyao came second. Rwandan legislator, Hon. Semasaka Gabriel finished third.
In the women’s category, legislators from Parliament of Rwanda carried the day in the 100 metres and 800 metres respectively.
Rwanda’s Hon. Petronile Mukandekezi beat a strong field in the 100 metre dash hitting the 16.22 mark while Hon. Nyirahirwa Venerandana was second. Hon. Eusillah Ngeny of Kenya came in third crossing the line on 16.54 seconds.
In 800 metres, Rwanda’s Hon. Annonce Manirarora won the race on 4min 44 seconds while Hon. Dorcas Ngeny, Parliament of Kenya and Hon. Nancy Abisai of EALA came in second and third respectively.
In Tug-of-War, men’s category, Parliament of Kenya carried the day as overall winner after beating both the Parliament of Rwanda and EALA by an identical 2-1 pull.
EALA similarly got 2 pulls over 1 of the Parliament of Rwanda.
In women’s category, Parliament of Kenya again triumphed after beating both EALA and Rwanda on two similar pulls margin. Earlier on, Parliament of Rwanda had held on to pull twice over EALA.
The games were preceded by a Pre-Tournament Conference called to nurture bonding and a spirit of friendship during the games, which are the 6th such for the region.
EALA Speaker Daniel Fred Kidega urged the Parliaments to use sport to enhance integration.
“This week, we would like all citizens of Kigali and its environs to come and participate in the Games”, he said.
“The games should bring out the best in us in terms of a spirit of friendship and camaraderie. This is the only way we can enhance integration”, he added.
The leader of delegation of the Bunge Sports Club, Kenya, Hon. Wafula Wamunyinyi said the region’s legislators would help strengthen the integration process through enhanced collaboration in the sporting arena.
Hon. Bernard Mulengani of EALA termed as noble, the decision by the EAC Speakers’ Bureau to institutionalise the annual games.
The Games continue tomorrow (Saturday) with volleyball, netball and soccer been held at the Amahoro Stadium and the Kigali Regional Stadium in Nyamirambo respectively.
EALA is rooting for an effective continental Assembly and one with legislative powers. Consequently, EALA yesterday afternoon passed a Resolution urging EAC Partner States to urgently sign, ratify and deposit the required instruments of the amended Protocol to the Constitutive Act of the African Union. This shall enable the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) to achieve one of its important pillar of legislation.
The Resolution presented to the House by Hon. Chris Opoka, on behalf of Hon. Mike Sebalu, notes that PAP has been exercising limited oversight, advisory role and consultative powers to the African Union, as the Organ that represents all peoples of Africa and the interests of Africans in the diaspora.
EALA qualifies to be a Parliament given its full legislative, oversight and representative nature. On its part, PAP is a deliberative body with consultative and advisory body. It is ideal that we have a PAP in both spirit and character as is EALA.
The Debate of the Resolution was stood over at the Plenary Sitting in Nairobi. Hon. Dr Odette Nyiramilimo moved under Rule 30 (c) to postpone debate on the motion to give Members time to consult the documents and the necessary Protocol to enrich the debate in future.
According to the mover, PAP which has been in existence for eleven years had 5 Presidents at the helm of the body. It has an overlapping nature that needs a defined term. At the moment, Members of PAP belong to National Assemblies / Parliaments and with the high turn-over at national assemblies, there is institutional challenges, Hon. Sebalu said.
The Heads of State and Governments of the African Union adopted the amended Protocol to the Constitutive Act of the African Union relating to the Pan-African Parliament on June 27th, 2014 at its Twenty-Third Ordinary Session held in Malabo in Equatorial Guinea. According to the Resolution, the amended Protocol requires 28 ratifications from AU Member States for it to come into force.
EALA is concerned that only 6 countries have signed the Protocol with only the Republic of Mali ratifying and depositing the instrument. The move has led the Pan-African Parliament to set itself a target of 2016 as the target for achieving all the required 28 ratifications.
EALA has moved a Resolution congratulating President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr John Pombe Joseph Magufuli following his election as the fifth President of the United Republic of Tanzania. EALA further commends the people of the United Republic of Tanzania on their commitment to peace and democracy during the General elections.
At the same time, EALA wants H.E. Dr John Pombe Joseph Magufuli to address the Assembly at the earliest opportunity.
“Aware of the credible elections held in Tanzania, we would like to seize this great opportunity to extend to His Excellency, President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli our warmest congratulations and to wish him every success at a time of great expectations in Tanzania, the East African Community and Africa in general in terms of national unity, prosperity of the people in maintaining the position as a strong champion for regional integration and democracy in Africa. We would also like to extend our sincere congratulations to the CCM party for the renewed confidence and trust by the people of the United Republic of Tanzania to spearhead their aspirations for a great future. We commend the opposition fraternity for a well fought battle, for behaving responsibly after the defeat, keeping in mind the peace and security which are the common interest are above any other individual interest”, a section of the Resolution says.
The Resolution moved by Hon. Jeremie Ngendakumana recognises and takes pride in the success of the United Republic of Tanzania which it avers has made history in what could be the most competitive Presidential elections ever since multiparty politics commenced.
The Assembly further appreciates the brilliance and tone of campaigns demonstrated which exemplifies maturity and vitality of democracy in Tanzania.
The general elections of 25th October 2015 in Tanzania were the fifth since the re-introduction of the multiparty democracy in 1992 and therefore, constituted another important step towards the consolidation of democracy. Since the first multiparty elections in 1995, the United Republic of Tanzania has enjoyed peaceful transfer of political power in conformity with the constitutionally established Presidential limits.
Hon. Mumbi Ngaru noted that the election of Dr Magufuli as President and that of H.E. Dr Samia Suluhu, as the first woman Vice President, was good show for the women of East Africa. She remarked that Tanzania had realised significant maturity in the politics.
Hon. Taslima Twaha remarked that whilst the elections had produced the President of United Republic of Tanzania, the Zanzibar Elections Commission had declared the elections in Zanzibar a nullity.
“The international community has called on President Magufuli to endeavour to expeditiously end the stalemate. I propose that we add this matter on the Resolution”, Hon. Twaha said. Hon. Maryam Ussi said the issue of Zanzibar was work in progress.
Hon. Peter Mathuki said President Magufuli had taken on to fighting corruption wholeheartedly and this in the long run would prove to be useful to the country.
Hon. Dora Byamukama said H.E. Dr Magufuli had good credentials. “We should adopt the slogan of Hapa Kazi Tu (loosely translated to Time to work is now) across the entire region”, she said.
Hon. AbuBakr Ogle said the region needed the energy and stamina as exhibited by H.E. Dr Magufuli. This should be sustained. He said the process in Zanzibar was objective and that challenges were realised when the counting process began.
Hon. Adam Kimbisa said the President had carried out civil campaigns devoid of ethnic or divisionary tactics while Hon. Sara Bonaya said there were vital lessons that the rest of the region could pick up on.
Hon. Martin Ngoga remarked that the historic ideology of deploying graduates and students in other regions of work and schooling was necessary towards consolidating the prevailing peace.“We must congratulate the founding father of the nation and the subsequent leaders”, he said.
The Minister for EAC, Republic of Uganda, Hon. Shem Bageine remarked that the President was keen in ensuring infrastructure is maintained up to the best standards.
The Council of Ministers also looks forward to his contribution when it comes to assent to Bills and the uptake of the Political Federation as well.
Yesterday, however, Hon. Dr Kessy Nderakindo said the elections in Zanzibar were yet to be completed. She said United Republic of Tanzania was lucky to have tolerance.
Hon. Shyrose Bhanji said the Head of State had in his acceptance speech to Parliament prioritised road and rail network, revive industries and enhancement of the Dar es Salaam port. All this are measures that will enhance the integration of East Africa.
The Federal Republic of Germany has hailed the commitment of the five East African Community (EAC) Partner States to the EAC integration process.
The Deputy Director General for Sub-Saharan Africa at the German Foreign Office, Mr George Schmidt, at the same time said that Germany would continue to promote trade and development co-operation with the EAC.
Mr Schmidt disclosed that Germany’s support for regional integration was based on her post-World War II reconstruction efforts especially the benefits occasioned by closer co-operation with Europe.
“For us, regional integration was not a loss of sovereignty but the regaining of sovereignty. That is why Germans have an ease when dealing with regional integration”, said Mr Schmidt, adding for the African continent, regional integration was a good way of mitigating the artificial boundaries drawn by the European colonial powers.
Mr Schmidt observed that the EAC Partner States had a long history of integration noting that it was encouraging that the Community was actively engaging the private sector, civil society and ordinary East Africans in the integration process.
Mr Schmidt was addressing the annual meeting of political advisers for Economic Co-operation and Development at the East African Legislative Assembly plenary hall in Arusha, Tanzania. The focus of this year’s meeting was on the aspect of regional economic and political integration, especially the role of Regional Economic Communities in Africa.
Mr Schmidt led a 60-person delegation who engaged staff of the EAC on pertinent issues on regional integration in East Africa and by extension the African continent.
The Director of Infrastructure at the EAC Secretariat, Mr Philip Wambugu, who represented the Secretary General praised Germany for its assistance to the EAC dating back many years.
“The German Federal Government was the first development partner in 1997 to commit technical and financial assistance to the re-established Community and renewed integration efforts. Since then, the partnership has been growing and deepening and to date, German support in the EAC at the regional level exceeds 200 million euros in support of our integration efforts and programmes”, Mr Wambugu said.
Mr Wambugu said that the East African Monetary Union Protocol was currently under implementation with the development of supportive legislation to anchor its institutions and processes.
“We look up to German support in the implementation of the protocol given the centrality of Germany in the Euro economic zone and currency stability”, he said.
He described as extremely high the potential for economic transformation in the EAC through trade and industrialisation.
“In order to realise this potential, our Heads of State have all committed to prioritise the development of efficient and well interconnected infrastructure systems in the Community to underpin trade and industrial expansion in the region. Further, they have directed that laws and policies supportive of the foregoing developments be enacted at an expedited pace.”
Mr Wambugu said the proposed laws include business registration; regional licensing; anti-counterfeit laws; anti-corruption laws; harmonisation of internal taxes; and, business-friendly commercial laws such as in arbitration and adjudication of commercial disputes, among others.
He thanked Germany for providing substantial support for the EAC’s peace and security programmes which are aimed at establishing a firm foundation for the East African Political Federation, the ultimate stage in the integration process.
“The support on Small Arms and Light Weapons enhanced our capacities for proper management and disposal of small arms and light weapons in the region. We received arms marking equipment, collected and destroyed hundreds of tonnes of ammunition and explosive materials, carried out sensitisation seminars and workshops, and developed regional policies and strategies in this area. The region is safer thanks to the support from Germany”, he said.
