East African Community Secretariat; Bujumbura, Burundi; 07 September 2017:
The 11th EAC Military Games and Cultural Event 2017 came to an end at Prince Louis Rwagasore National Stadium on Tuesday 5th September 2017, with an appeal by the 1st Vice President of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Gaston Sindimwo to all the East African citizens and their governments to defend the regional integration initiatives and make use of the East African Community for peace and development.
The 1st Vice President, who was speaking on behalf of H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza, said “while each individual in each of the teams fought hard to score that extra goal, and to run the fastest race to raise the national flags, collectively our national flags constituted a single winning flag, the flag of the East African Community that symbolizes a collective unity of the people of East Africa”.
H.E. Gaston Sindimwo described the participation of the troops in sports as an engine for friendship, solidarity, co-operation and comradeship that runs the Community as one people with one destiny.
He said ”am here, on behalf of the President of the Republic, to reiterate Burundi’s commitment to the regional integration and its readiness to defend the Community”.
The 1st Vice President implored the soldiers and civilian guests who participated in the Military Games and Cultural Event to be Burundi’s ambassadors and well-wishers within the region and beyond on peace and security situation in the country, saying “you have been here for almost two weeks and I don’t think you have experienced any insecurity”. There is peace and security in the whole country, affirmed H.E. Gaston Sindimwo to the attentive audience.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs of Burundi, Hon Emmanuel Ntahomvukiye congratulated all players and organizers for making the 11th Edition of the Military Games and Cultural Event a success story and noted that through sports, soldiers have got the opportunity to interact with fellow comrades and also keep fit as Forces in the Community.
The Deputy Secretary General of the East African Community in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge thanked the Republic of Burundi, the entire leadership, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, the Burundi National Defence Forces for the superb organization and facilitation of event.
The EAC official urged all the East African citizens, international partners and visitors to take advantage of the prevailing peaceful and secure environment in Burundi to visit or invest in the country.
“By the fact that the Republic of Burundi has successfully hosted this event is a clear indication that peace and security are prevailing in the country. Peace and security are the prerequisites of any human development in any country; therefore we commend the leadership for restoring peace and security” asserted the Deputy Secretary General.
He registered the EAC Secretariat’s appreciation to the Partner States for the effective implementation of the EAC Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs, which was enabling the EAC Secretariat and Partner States to organize such sports and cultural events on rotational basis.
The EAC official announced that the Republic of Kenya will host the 12th Edition of the EAC Military Games and Cultural Event in 2019.
At the same occasion, Burundi’s Chief of National Defense Force, Lt. Gen. Prime Niyongabo, noted that the event in Bujumbura created an opportunity for enhancing regional integration and commended the Media for effectively publicizing the event to the whole region and international world. He urged those athletes who did not win anything to go back and prepare adequately for the next edition.
Present at the occasion were also Uganda’s Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Lt Col (Rtd) Dr. Bright Rwamirama; Burundi’s Minister in the Office of the President Responsible for EAC Affairs, Hon. Isabelle Ndahayo, and Military Attachés of the EAC Partner States and others.
The Chief of Defence Forces for Tanzania was represented by Major General Elias Nicanor Athanas, Chief of Reserve Force; Uganda was represented by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. General Wilson Mbadi, and Kenya Defence Force by the Airforce Commander, Major General Samuel Thuita.
In the overall, Kenya took the top position in the 11th EAC Military Games by wining 4 Gold Medals i.e. in Football, Volleyball, Netball, and Cross-country. Tanzania took the second position having won two Gold Medals both in Basketball and Cross- country (men), silver medals in Volleyball and Netball and Bronze for cross country (women).
Uganda took the 3rd position by winning silver medal in Netball and football, bronze medal in volleyball, cross country and basketball coming second after Kenya, Tanzania in third position while the host Burundi came in fourth position. Burundi got a silver medal in Basketball.
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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; 07 September 2017:
The East African Community(EAC) Secretariat together with Partner States will hold the 3rd edition of the Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki Utamaduni Festival (JAMAFEST) from 9th – 14th September 2017 in Kampala, Uganda.
The main objective of the Festival is to promote regional socio-cultural integration through arts and culture by providing a regional platform to showcase culture as a prime driver of EAC integration.
The JAMAFEST 2017, will run under the theme; “ Culture and creative industries: An Engine for unity and Employment Creation”. A theme Song has been composed and will be played throughout the festival period as part of the publicity campaign of creating awareness of the role of arts and culture in regional integration.
The main venue of the festival will be Kololo Ceremonial Grounds where the main stage for cultural performances, the exhibition and market place will be located. The official opening and closing ceremonies will also be held at the same venue. The subsidiary venues include Uganda National Cultural centre where specialized shows including film festival, comedy and drama will be conducted. Hotel Africana will host the Symposium, fashion show and the closing Dinner gala.
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; Zanzibar, Tanzania; 06 September 2017:
The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Samila Suluhu Hassan, has underscored the importance of the Kiswahili language in promoting development and regional integration in East Africa.
Ms. Hassan said Kiswahili has immense potential to unite the people of East Africa and should therefore be embraced by all East Africans as the lingua franca of the region, adding that the language could be an important tool in the pursuit of economic and social development in the region.
"It is my hope that the East African Kiswahili Commission will aid us in ensuring that the people of East Africa are not mere receivers of strategies for development, but active agents for change. Kiswahili should be promoted and used to enhance our ability to steer the development efforts," said the Vice President.
Vice President Hassan disclosed that the United Republic of Tanzania would work with other East African Community (EAC) Partner States to promote Kiswahili as the lingua franca of the Community.
"Tanzania shall continue standing at the forefront of the promotion of Kiswahili, and is ready and willing to provide Kiswahili teachers to the rest of the region," said the Vice President.
H.E. Samia Sahulu Hassan was addressing delegates at the official opening of the East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC) 1st International Conference, under the theme: Transforming the East African Community through Kiswahili.
Convened from 6th to 8th September, 2017 at the Golden Tulip Botique Hotel in Zanzibar, the Conference has brought together Kiswahili stakeholders from the region and beyond to deliberate on how the development and use of the language can creatively be used in deepening and widening EAC integration and contribute towards the realization of sustainable development in the region.
In his remarks, the Secretary General of the EAC, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, said that the Commission was held in high regard and considered an integral and important institution of the Community.
"I would like to wish that existing cooperation between the Commission, the EAC Secretariat, and other EAC Organs and Institutions is intensified in all areas so as to use Kiswahili in ensuring active citizen participation in the development agenda of the Community," said Amb. Mfumukeko.
"There is no doubt that Kiswahili is an important ingredient in the integration and sustainable development of the EAC. It is for this reason that Article 137 of the EAC Treaty recognizes its importance as a lingua franca. In an effort to give Kiswahili the force that it deserves to drive development in the Community, the East African Legislative Assembly in July 2016 resolved to make it one of the Official Languages of the Community. We promise that the Secretariat will do what it takes to ensure that this desire is realized," added Amb. Mfumukeko.
Welcoming delegates to the Conference, the EAKC Executive Secretary , Prof. Kenneth Simala, said that the development of Kiswahili will provide the Community with an opportunity to survive and thrive in an ever-changing environment, characterized by innovation and transformation.
"We have convened this Conference in Zanzibar in an effort to appreciate and acknowledge the critical role that Zanzibar has played in the development of Kiwswahili not only in East Africa but worldwide. We can not talk about the history of Kiswahili without acknowledging the role played by Zanzibar," said Prof. Simala.
The EAKC's 1st Internatinal Conference was marked with the official opening of the Commission's offices along Maisara Road in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Also launched was the Commission's Strategic Plan 2017 - 2022 which was developed in line with the aspirations of the EAC's Vision 2050 and the African Union Agenda 2063.
Among the dignitaries attending the Conference are the former President of Tanzania, H.E Ali Hassan Mwinyi; Minister of Information, Culture, Artists and Sports, Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Harrison Mwakyembe; Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Hon. Amb. Augustine Mahiga; Ministers from the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar; Principal / Permanent Secretaries form the EAC Partner States and Heads of EAC Organs and Institutions.
The East African Kiswahili Commission (EACK) is an institution of the East African Community based in Zanzibar, The United Republic of Tanzania. The Commission started its operations in May, 2015 and has developed the Annual Operations Plan for 2016-2017. The Commission’s vision is to be the leading body in the promotion and coordination of the development and usage of Kiswahili for regional integration and sustainable development.
East African Community Secretariat; Bujumbura, Burundi; 04 September 2017:
The 11th EAC Military Games and Cultural Event taking place in Bujumbura, Burundi, entered its 8th day on Saturday 2nd September with an athlete from Tanzania Peoples Defence Force taking the lead in the 10 Km cross-country race for men, while an athlete from the Kenya Defence Force became the champion of the 10 Km cross-country race for women in a tightly contested race that was held within Bujumbura City.
In the Men’s race, Emmanuel Giniki Gisanoda from Tanzania touched the finish line at 29’52’’ 81 minutes, followed by Chepkorom Ezekiel from Uganda at 29’57’’ 60, and Hillary Kering from Kenya finished third at 30’02’’79.
Joseph Amnaay Panga from Tanzania was 4th at 30’11’’94, 5th was Semwiko Ben from Uganda at 30’14’’71, and 6th was Victor Kiplimo from Kenya at 30’17’’44, among others.
In the Women’s race, Mercy Njoroge from Kenya clocked 35’32’’ 28 to win the race, followed by Cheptegei Rabecca from Uganda at 35’34’’ 35 minutes, and 3rd was Jackline Juma Sakilu from Tanzania at 36’03’’41.
Marion Kibor from Kenya was 4th with 36’06’’55 minutes, 5th was Magdalena Crispin from Tanzania with 36’14’’81, and 6th position was taken by Nahimana Cavaline from Burundi at 36’16’’29 minutes, among others.
In the overall performance/ranking in both the Men and Women’s races, Tanzania took the 1st position, followed by Kenya, Uganda was 3rd and Burundi took the 4th position.
Addressing the contingents, athletes, invited guests and thousands of civilians that thronged the Military facility where the race took place, Brigadier Salvatore Nahimana who represented the Chief of Defence Forces of BDF, expressed gratitude to the organizers of the EAC Games and Cultural Event 2017 for their real commitments shown in the organization and conduct of all the activities of the event.
Brig. Nahimana said the talents of the athletes as exhibited on the track was promising and that the future of cross country was surely better, not only in the region but also across the globe.
The games lined up for Day 9, Sunday 3rd September 2017 are:
Football: Tanzania vs Kenya from 16:00hrs at Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium;
Basketball: Burundi vs Tanzania (15:30-17:00);
Netball: Burundi vs Uganda (16:00-17:30);
Volleyball: Tanzania vs Kenya (09:00-10:30).
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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; Bujumbura, Burundi; 31 August 2017:
The 11th EAC Military Games and Cultural Event taking place in Bujumbura, Burundi, entered its 5th day on Wednesday 30th August and the Burundi Defence Force (BDF) shocked Kenya Defence Force 61-46 in a classic Basketball match (men), played at Gems Field and presided over by Brigadier Kemwaga of TPDF. The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces of BDF, Major General Joseph Ndayishimiye was in attendance and keenly following the match.
As Burundi outsmarted Kenya in Basketball, the Tanzania Peoples Defence Force (TPDF), thrashed Burundi Defence Force (BDF) 94 to 18 in a thrilling Netball match (women) played at the Burundi Military Academy’s ISCAM Field and presided over by Col. Chivatsi.
On the same day, in a Football match (men) played at Prince Louis Rwagasore National Stadium, Tanzania beat Burundi 2-1, in a game presided over by Brigadier Katirima of UPDF. And the Kenya Defence Force (KDF) defeated Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF) 0-3 (75-42) in a captivating Volleyball match (women) played at the Parquet Field within Bujumbura City and presided over by Col Bizindavyi of Burundi Defence Force (BDF).
The 6th Day of the Military Games and Cultural Event on Thursday 31st August had many surprises. In Football, Kenya had a draw 1-1 with Uganda; in Basketball (men), Tanzania beat Uganda 63-56; in Netball (women), Kenya beat Uganda 31-27; and in Volleyball (women), Tanzania defeated Burundi 3-0 (75-40).
On 1st of September, all the contingents will undertake cultural trip to Rumonge, where they will visit Blue Bay Beach, Saga Resha (Chateau Moss) and on the way back visit Kabezi and then Livingstone Stone. The Cross-country competition is lined up for 2nd September with 10 Km Women and 10 Km Men 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 Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 31 August 2017:
The East African Community (EAC) Pre-Budget Conference for the Financial Year 2018/19 is on-going at the EAC headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania to discuss key priority areas and targets to guide the budget formulation as well as the corresponding activities for 2018/19.
The 31 August to 1 September, 2017 Pre-budget Conference is expected to come up with key strategic issues to be addressed by the Community during the Financial Year 2018/2019, as well as sector specific objectives, outputs and activities to be achieved, delivered and implemented respectively.
Addressing the conference at the official opening session the EAC Secretary General, Amb Liberat Mfumukeko said Pre-Budget Conference is happening at a time when EAC is finalizing preparations for the 5th EAC Development Strategy 2016/17 – 2020/21. “I am glad that priorities and development objectives as well as strategic interventions therein stipulated have been validated by Stakeholders’’
Amb Mfumukeko urged the participants to appreciate the role of the Organs and Institutions of the Community, as well as the Partner States in moving the integration process forward as they discuss the priority areas, strategic interventions and activities to be implemented over the financial year 2018/19.
‘’We therefore require priority areas and targets that can bring the EAC integration agenda to have impact on the lives of the citizens of East Africa, the actual owners of the integration process’’
The following are six (6) Priority Areas of focus for the Financial year 2018/19:
Further liberalization of the free movement of labour, goods and services;
Improved cross-border infrastructure to ease the cost of doing business;
Enhanced regional industrial development and agricultural productivity and transformation through investment in key priority areas;
Implementation of the roadmap for the attainment of the EAC Monetary Union;
Strengthen Peace, Security and good governance and institutional framework for the EAC Political Confederation;
Improve socio-cultural welfare of the people in the region; and
Institutional transformation
The Pre-Budget Conference, which has become part of the EAC Annual Planning and Budgeting cycle, is being attended by officials from the Partner States, EAC Organs and Institutions
The Annual EAC- Budget conference is in response to the Council of Ministers directive of involving as many stakeholders as possible in the process of formulating the EAC Annual Budget.
During the Plenary session by the East Africa Legislative Assembly’s (EALA), in Bujumbura, Burundi in May 2009, it was also recommended that the Council organizes a Pre-Budget conference annually involving key stakeholders.
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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 Kiswahili Commission; Zanzibar, Tanzania; 30 August 2017:
The East African Kiswahili Commission is set to host the 1st International Kiswahili Conference at the Golden Tulip Boutique Hotel in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The 6th to 8th September 2017 Conference themed ‘Transforming the East African Community through Kiswahili’, will be attended by various Kiswahili stakeholders, including policy makers, scholars, media owners and practitioners, as well as students from across the East African Community and beyond. Representatives from the EAC Partner States will also attend the Conference.
The Executive Secretary for the East African Kiswahili Commission, Prof. Kenneth Simala, has noted that the overall objective of the Conference is to brainstorm on how the development and use of Kiswahili can stimulate new ideas, solve problems, and implement solutions to challenges of sustainable development in the EAC.
“The Conference will bring together Kiswahili stakeholders to discuss how the development and use of the language can creatively be used in deepening and widening EAC integration and contribute towards the realization of sustainable development in the region,” reiterated Prof. Simala.
The International Kiswahili Conference is premised in the logic that the post-2015 development agenda is bound to shape policies, programmes and projects worldwide for the next fifteen years. To this end, each and every Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and target therefore provides an opportunity for Kiswahili to support communication. The goals and targets further present great avenues for Kiswahili to demonstrate shared values while contributing towards local, national and regional sustainable growth.
The Executive Secretary pointed out that the East African Community has the potential for growth and change through the adoption and implementation SDGs. This will provide the Community with an opportunity to survive and thrive in an ever-changing environment, characterized by innovation and transformation. He explained that creative, innovative and transformative development and use of Kiswahili have the potential for enhancing relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to tackle the challenges that come with implantation of the SDGs.
The Conference participants are expected to redefine the challenges and opportunities that come with SDGs; develop new, innovative responses and solutions; and make policy recommendations to Partner States on the actions that need to be taken in the development and use of Kiswahili.
The Commission will also launch the East African Kiswahili Commission Strategic Plan (2017-2022) during the Conference.
The East African Kiswahili Commission (EACK) is an institution of the East African Community based in Zanzibar, The United Republic of Tanzania. The Commission started its operations in May, 2015 and has developed the Annual Operations Plan for 2016-2017. The Commission’s vision is to be the leading body in the promotion and coordination of the development and usage of Kiswahili for regional integration and sustainable development.
East African Community Secretariat; Bujumbura, Burundi; 30 August 2017:
The 11th EAC Military Games and Cultural Event taking place in Bujumbura, Burundi entered its fourth day with Kenya Defence Force (KDF) taking the lead in Football while Tanzania Peoples Defence Force (TPDF) leading in Netball and Basketball.
The President and Commander-in-Chief of National Defence Force of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza officially launched the 11th EAC Military Games and Culture Event 2017 on Saturday 26th August and kicked-off the opening football match between Kenya Defence Force (KDF) and Burundi Defence Force (BDF), in which BDF lost 1-0 to KDF.
On Sunday 27th August, Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF) tussled it out with TPDF in a 1-1 draw match presided over by Brigadier K. Pyaban, Kenya’s Chief of Mission at the Military Games and Cultural Event. On the same day, BDF Basket ballers took on their counterpart in UPDF, in which Uganda scored 66 while Burundi 63.
On Monday 28th August, in Netball (women), Tanzania played Uganda and had a marginal loss 30-31 in a match presided over by Col. Bizindavyi of BDF and Chair of the Organizing Committee of the 11th EAC Military Games and Culture Event 2017. In Volleyball (women), Uganda lost to Tanzania 0-3, while in Basketball (men), Tanzania won Kenya 68-58.
Tuesday 29th August is training day for all teams for Football, Cross-country, Netball, Volleyball, and Basketball various training field within Bujumbura city.
The games for Day 5, Wednesday 30th August 2017, include:
Football (men): Tanzania vs Burundi from 16:00hrs -17:30hrs at Prince Louis Rwagasore National Stadium;
Basketball (men): Kenya vs Burundi (15:30-17:00) at Gems Field;
Netball (women): Tanzania vs Burundi (16:00-17:30) at ISCAM Field; and
Volleyball (women): Kenya vs Uganda (09:00-10:30) at Parquet Field.
EAC Military Games and Culture Events are held in accessible venues by the civilians. In this regard, the Chair of the Organizing Committee of the 2017 Games and Cultural Event, Col. Bizindavyi of BDF has called upon civilian population, tourists/visitors in and around Bujumbura to attend the various games and give support to the teams on the pitch.
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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; Bujumbura, Burundi; 28 August 2017:
The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko has commended the Defence sector in the region for its exemplary work and being a shining stay in the regional integration agenda.
Speaking at a Dinner Gala hosted over the weekend at a Bujumbura Hotel by Burundi’s Ministry of Defence for the contingents and officials attending the 11th EAC Military Games and Cultural Event 2017, the Secretary General said that the implementation of the Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs had been one of the successful and exemplary programmes in the EAC integration process geared towards confidence building and solidarity among themselves and the civilian population, as exemplified by the presence and attendance of the civilian population in large numbers during the games and cultural events.
“I commend our Chiefs of Defence Forces for the dedication and big strides they are making towards the realization of the aspirations of the Protocol on Cooperation in Defence matters”, affirmed the Secretary General.
Amb. Mfumukeko informed his audience that since 2005, the Community had held Ten Editions of the Military Games and Cultural Event and the 11th Edition was the second time the Republic of Burundi was hosting the event. The first time Burundi hosted the event was in 2011.
“We at the EAC Secretariat consider this to be a significant achievement and indicator of the good progress we are making in pushing the integration agenda forward,” noted the Secretary General.
Amb. Mfumukeko briefly outlined the achievements the Community was registering in all the pillars of the integration (Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union, and Political Federation).
In regard to the Political Federation, the Secretary General said the Heads of State had deliberated on issue and adopted the Political Confederation as a transitional model of the East African Political Federation and directed the Council of Ministers to constitute a team of Constitutional Experts to draft the Constitution for the Political Confederation.
At the same function, Colonel Joseph Bakari, a representative of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) based in Brussels Belgium, a citizen of Tanzania and a serving Officer of the Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces (TPDF) attached to CISM as Assistant to the CISM Director of Sports, reiterated CISM’s appreciation and respect to the Government of Burundi for adherence to CISM goals and ideals and also the EAC Partner States to allow these games to be organized annually on rotational basis.
Col. Bakari, who represented the Secretary General of CISM Col. Dorah Mamby Koita (Guinea), said that what the world witnessed at the official opening of the 11th EAC Military Games and Cultural Event, and throughout the duration of the event in Bujumbura, is sign of peace in the region and the implementation of CISM ideals at the regional level.
“In CISM we have a clear “NO POLITICS IN CISM” institutional principle' that allows us to go beyond barriers and unite soldiers in a peaceful environment in all countries of the world. Suffice to say this is also the same with the EAC military games and therefore qualifying the EAC as a key promoter of International Military Cooperation” noted the CISM official, adding that “Gathering in a spirit of peace and mutual understanding among the EAC Partner States is indeed a genuine demonstration of EAC uniqueness and relevance in the current international military and defense strategies”.
“However, some fundamental values common to every soldier,wherever they come from, such as determination, open-mindedness, discipline, commitment and respect as well as avoidance of drug use and abuse in sports (Anti doping) should always be emphasized”, declared Col. Bakari.
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Notes to Editor:
CISM is one of the largest multidisciplinary organizations in the world formed in 1948 after the Second World War. It is made up of 136 member countries recognized by the United Nations as follows:- Africa (46), Asia (30), America (18) and Europe (42). The Motto of CISM is Friendship Through Sport. EAC Partner States are Members of CISM.
Since inception, CISM has established as its primary objectives to bring together, through the vector of sporting activities, the soldiers of the world on the sport fields to ultimately promote friendship and solidarity, embracing the international efforts towards a peaceful world. Soldiers, who may previously have met on the battlefield, now meet in friendship on the sports playing fields.
The current CISM President is Col Abdul Hakeem Alshino (Bahrain) and the Secretary General is Col. Dorah Mamby Koita (Guinea).
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; Bujumbura, Burundi; 28 August 2017:
The 11th EAC Military Games and Cultural Event 2017 kicked off at Prince Louis Rwagasore National Stadium over the weekend with an appeal by the President and Commander-in-Chief of National Defence Force of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza “to all members of the East African Community to refrain from provoking one another or helping and abetting individuals or groups likely to disrupt peace and security in any other member State”.
The President, who was the Chief Guest at the colourful opening ceremony, stated that “while Sport was unifying and bringing peoples together, let us compete but you should bear in mind that your job as a soldier is not the easiest. While our national armies do all they can to defend their borders and the region as a whole, you must constantly remember that the threat of terrorism is at an all-time high. We consequently need collective efforts and strategies to fight it”.
H.E. Nkurunziza said by the fact that Burundi was hosting the Event was a clear indication that peace and security was reigning in the country “contrary to what bad-intentioned media and enemies of Burundi spread around the globe”.
He informed the well attended event by both the civilians and invited guests that the games were taking place at a time when Burundi was celebrating ten years since joining the East African Community and his country had gained and contributed a lot ever since it became a member. “Full integration in all sectors is effectively taking shape and this includes the Defence and Security Forces”.
He said culturally, Burundians were proud of themselves for owning drums that had been made by UNESCO part of the global heritage, and Burundi had just scooped the first place worldwide in the recent cultural and tourism exhibitions held in Russia. “I have no doubts that our military were in a position to emulate what their civilian counterparts have been able to achieve recently”, affirmed the President.
He said the region’s efforts in Somalia, Central African Republic and within the Great Lakes Region were examples of the ongoing collective efforts in search of peace in the Region and extended his deep appreciation and gratitude to the Chiefs of the EAC Partner States Defence Forces for their constant and consistent dedication.
“Such a dedication and effort will definitely facilitate the fast tracking and handling of our common problems of security such as terrorism, poaching and cattle rustling which can pose a threat to our regional stability,” noted the President.
H.E. Nkurunziza once again reiterated the commitment of the Republic of Burundi to the integration process and full cooperation within all members of the EAC.
Addressing the same gathering, Burundi’s Defence Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Ntahonvukiye welcomed the contingents to Burundi and said the country was greatly honoured to host the event, which is aimed at fostering the principle of togetherness and solidarity among the Defence Forces of the Community. It is also aimed at promoting physical activity; contribute towards harmonious development of sports and culture in the region, and to the regional and international effort for universal peace.
At the same occasion, the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko disclosed that the Games and Cultural activities had great significance beyond building confidence among the Armed Forces of the Partner States and that it bears a great symbolic significance having regard to the broader goals and vision of a competitive, prosperous and united East Africa.
He said that the presence of the Chiefs of the Defence Forces, the Service Commanders, General Officers; Defence Liaison Officers; and Members of the Armed Forces Contingents of the Partner States, as well as the ordinary citizens in the stadium demonstrates that the vision of the founding fathers of One People, One Destiny can and will be achieved.
The Secretary General reiterated that peace and security were the prerequisites for social and economic development and with the rising security challenges all over the world, the region needs to build strong armed forces within the EAC framework that could work together to face both the internal and external challenges to the development and progress of the Community. “East Africans continue to look upon the Military to show the way forward especially towards the promotion of peace and solidarity and we must never fail them”, asserted Amb. Mfumukeko.
Uganda’s 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of EAC Affairs and Chairperson of the EAC Council of Minister, Rt. Hon. Kirunda Kivenjija, together with Uganda’s Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Lt Col. (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama also attended the official opening ceremony.
In a thrilling opening football match that was kicked-off by H.E Pierre Nkurunziza, Kenya Defence Force defeated National Defence Force of Burundi 1-0.
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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.
