East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 27 August 2017:
The 2017 Regional Youth Consultations Forum in close collaboration with Regional Economic Communities( RECs) as members of the African Governance Architecture (AGA) will be held on 28th to 30th August, 2017 at the East African Community Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The overall goal of the regional youth consultations is to provide a collaborative, open and inclusive space for young people to critically and objectively reflect on the progress made so far; challenges encountered; and prospects for enhancing meaningful youth participation in Africa’s democratization processes, particularly in its electoral processes.
The forum will also provide a platform for reflection on barriers and opportunities for meaningful youth participation in electoral processes at the individual, organizational and societal levels; Improve capacity of youth-led and focused organizations /networks towards enhanced youth organizing and participation in electoral processes at local and national levels with the aim of moving from tokenistic to impact-oriented approaches; Create functional linkages between national and regional networks as well as their initiatives aimed at empowering young people to meaningfully participate in political processes in general and electoral processes in particular among others.
The three-day forum will be expected to come up with actionable recommendations grounded in a rights-based approach to youth political participation to improve individual programming of African Union (AU) Organs, and Regional Economic Communities (RECs);enhance efforts towards meaningful youth participation in political parties, government ministries, and agencies, including media.
In addition, the forum expected enhanced capacity of youth-led or -focused organisations and networks to foster young people’s participation in democratic elections and ensure accountability and transparency; as well as provide baseline information and also disseminated to facilitate sharing of best practices and lessons learned among the AU Member States.
The 2017 youth consultations themed; Enhancing Young People’s Meaningful Participation in Electoral Processes in Africa” will be convened under the auspices of the African Governance Architecture (AGA) Youth Engagement Strategy (AGA-YES), to assess young people’s participation in electoral processes in Africa.
The Secretary General of EAC Amb Liberat Mfumukeko is expected to grace the official opening session of the youth consultation on 28th August 2017.
The forum will be attended by Youth-led and oriented organizations implementing activities that are related to youth in electoral processes, programmes and activities; Prominent youth-led and -focused organizations and networks that work on issues of democratic elections and young people’s participation in electoral processes; Youth representatives from political parties, Elections Commissions, Civil Society Organization(CSOs) Non-Governmental Organizations, government and Members of Parliaments.
Selected think tanks and academic research institutions with experience in promoting youth participation in electoral processes; Selected media practitioners; and Youth focal points for and representatives of the African Governance Platform Members will also attend.
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Notes to Editor:
Over the past three decades, Africa has witnessed a commendable shift in the process of leadership change, with coup-d’états replaced with competitive elections. The continent continues to witness an increase in regular, credible and transparent elections, which have become the embodiment of Africa’s democratisation progress. Nonetheless, electoral processes are however becoming intricate, with increasing attention paid to the ‘democratic’ nature of these elections.
A concern has been the inclusivity of the electoral process particularly as it affects young people. Except for few countries, the participation of youth has been limited to voting, which in itself is relatively low when compared with other demographic groups. For instance, despite young people’s demographic strength, Africa’s youth participation in political processes, including electoral processes, is still lower than that of their elders, particularly in terms of voting.
According to a survey conducted by Afro barometer in 36 African countries between 2014 and 2015, 66% of 18-to-35-year-old respondents’ old enough to vote in the elections voted, compared to 79% of citizens above the age of 35.
In an effort to cast the light on the needs of its rapidly growing young population and to devise means of harnessing the demographic dividend, AU Heads of State and Government at the January 2016 Assembly Summit devoted the year 2017 to “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth.” In order to give effect to the AU Assembly Decision on the 2017 theme of the year, a Roadmap was developed and adopted by the AU Policy Organs.
The African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 categorically identified youth are key stakeholders in the attainment of the goal and aspirations of Agenda 2063. This is premised on the youth bulge currently experienced on the continent, with over 60% of the population under 30 years and the promise of a demographic dividend it holds if adequate investments are made in their social, economic and political agency as its long-term development vision, with the goal of “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.”
Cognizant of the value young people bring to Africa’s development and democratisation process, AU recognizes young people as partners, leaders, and beneficiaries in building a democratic culture on the continent.
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; 22 August 2017:
The 26th Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers responsible for EAC Affairs and Planning (SCMEACP) is currently underway at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The meeting is considering several reports including; the status of implementation of Previous Decisions of the SCMEACP; implementation of the EAC COmmon Market Protocol; Summit directive to appoint a team of experts to draft the constitution of EAC Political Confederation; EAC-COMESA-SADC tripartite arrangement and report of Chiefs of Immigration.
The meeting will also consider progress reports on the elimination of non-tariff barriers; preparations of the 5th EAC Development Strategy (2016/17 - 2020/21); technical working groups information resource centers; EAC Secretariat Quality Management System; integration of the Republic of South Sudan into the Community; Partner States’ budgetary contribution for the financial year 2017/2018 to the EAC; and consolidation of the EAC calendar of activities for the period July - December 2017, among others.
The 26th meeting of the Sectoral Council will be held through the session of Senior Official from 21st to 22nd August; the session of Permanent/Principal Secretaries from 23rd to 24th August; and the Ministerial session is slated for 25th August 2017.
Addressing Senior officials on behalf of the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration, Hon. Jesca Eriyo, Director of Planning at the EAC Secretariat, Mr. Wilberforce Mariki reiterated the critical role of the Sectoral Council in coordinating the regional integration process and said that as the integration process deepens and widens, rhe Senior officials will be heavily relied on to provide rational strategies on the integration, noting that their pragmatic recommendations and guidance will assist in further advancing the cause of regional integration and development process.
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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; 22 August 2017:
The Defence Forces of the EAC Partner States (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda) will hold the 11th Edition Of the East African Military Games and Cultural Event from 24th August to 8th September 2017 in Bujumbura, Burundi.
The EAC Military Games and Cultural Event will be officially open and closed at the Prince Louis Rwagasore National Stadium on 26th August and 5th September 2017 respectively. The Sports and Cultural activities will be conducted in various games and cultural facilities within Bujumbura city.
The event, themed One People One Destiny through EAC Military Games and Cultural Event 2017, will involve over 500 participants representing the various services of the Defenoce Forces of the EAC Partner States.
The Sports disciplines to be involved in this Edition are Cross country (men and women); Football (men); Basketball (men); Netball (women); and Volleyball (women).
The Military Games and Cultural Event is an annual activity held on rotation basis among EAC Partner States under the framework of the EAC Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs. The Protocol provides for various areas of military cooperation, Military Training, Joint Operations and Technical Assistance. Cooperation in Sports and Culture falls within the broad area of Visits and Exchange of Information.
The Event is expected to have high profile participation intended not only to popularize it, but also to raise the sporting competitice levels threby contributing to the highest standards within the East African regn commensurate within international standards.
In light of the success which has benn registered over the last 10 Editions of the Games, the EAC Secretariat is desirous to have the profile of the EAC Military Games and Cultural Evenr raised from being a regional event to being an internationally recognized event by World bodies governing Military Sports; namely International Militay Sports Council (CISM) and the Organization of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA).
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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; 15 August 2017:
The 2nd Executive Board meeting of the East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE) was held in Kampala, Uganda on 11th August, 2017.
The well-attended board meeting from Partner States except the Republic of South Sudan was the follow up of the first meeting which was held on June 10, 2016.
Addressing the board members, the Chairman of the Executive Board and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Uganda, Dr. Steven Isabalija, hailed the continued support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) to the East African Community in the Energy and more specifically in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by EACREEE in its early stages of operation and urged collective efforts among stakeholders in addressing the same.
On his part, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of the Productive and Social Sectors, Hon Christophe Bazivamo, informed the board that the EAC integration was business oriented, adding that energy was key to promoting business in the region.
"Low energy access rates, expensive electricity, poor cooking solutions have been hampering the region's development," said Hon Bazivamo.
He reminded the meeting that the original plan of EAC was to have EACREEE as an EAC institution, however due to financial constraints other innovative ways were devised and hence College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) was selected to host EACREEE as a Centre of Excellence.
Hon. Bazivamo disclosed that efforts were underway for the EAC through the Inter -University Council of East Africa to ensure effective management of the EAC Centers of Excellence through the harmonization of management guidelines.
The Principal of CEDAT, Prof Henry Alinaitwe, thanked the EAC Council of Ministers for selecting CEDAT to host EACREE and commended the support of UNIDO and ADA towards the Centre. Prof. Alinaitwe revealed that since its inauguration, CEDAT has been working with several stakeholders to advance the Centre's activities.
During the deliberations, the meeting took note of the progress report and of the challenges experienced by College of Engineering, Art, Design and Technology (CEDAT) in the implementation process especially in regards to the registration of EACREEE as a legal entity handling programmes that are regional in nature.
The meeting agreed on the need for formulation of a Roadmap/Transitional document on how and when the Centre will graduate from being hosted in CEDAT to be a fully-fledged Centre of EAC.
Against the above observations and to take matters forward, the meeting arrived at the following resolutions:
Urged Makerere University CEDAT in collaboration with EAC Secretariat to expedite implementation of the decision of the 33rd meeting of Council by registering a semi-autonomous EACREEE under CEDAT.
Urged CEDAT to open a separate account under Makerere University CEDAT in the name of EACREEE by 30th September 2017;
Requested the EAC Secretariat in collaboration with CEDAT to work on the transitional roadmap in line with decisions of the 33rd Meeting of the Council of Ministers.
The Executive Board to continue managing EACREEE under the current set up and;
The Sectoral Council to reconsider the governing structure of EACREEE.
The meeting also took note of the proposal presented by UNIDO on the tentative agenda for conducting a sustainable energy forum for EAC by EACREEE in February 2018. The meeting commended the initiative by UNIDO and requested the formation of a joint organizing committee. The Forum will be organized in one of the EAC Partner States that were requested to support the forum. The meeting requested Partner States to express interest in hosting this conference by 30th September, 2017.
The Technical Committee and National Focal Institutions (NFI) for EACREEE as well as launching the Centre on 11th June, 2016.
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Notes to Editor:
The 33rd Meeting of the Council of Ministers held on 29th February 2016 designated the College of Engineering, Art, Design and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University, Kampala,Uganda as a Centre of Excellence for renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE) and directed that CEDAT collaborates with other institutions dealing with Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency within the Partner States. Based on the approved Project Document, the 11th Sectoral Council on Energy directed the EAC Secretariat to implement the directive of the council by constituting the Executive Board.
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, Tanznaia; 10 August 2017:
The 2nd East African Bicycle Tour dubbed Tour d’EAC was flagged off yesterday at the EAC headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania by the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Planning and Infrastructure, Eng. Steven Mlote, on behalf of the EAC Secretary General.
The 2nd Tour d'EAC 2017, organized by Campfire Logs Guild, an initiative of idealized young East Africans with diverse adventure background committed to the development of young people through Adventure Learning/Training Programs, brought together a team of 27 cyclists from all six EAC Partner States. Among the team of cyclists, 2 are physically impaired.
Participation in the Tour d'EAC is open for all citizens of the EAC region who are enthusiastic about adventure and tourism. This year, the initiative with a 45-day expedition is themed; “Unlocking East Africa’s Trade and Tourism potential through an effective and efficient Integration Process”.
The 2nd Tour d’EAC follows the very first successfully concluded Tour d’EAC 2016, which took place from August 1st to September 3rd, 2016.
The organizers realized that the entire region is blessed with many economic opportunities and tourism attractions – diverse cultures, nature, recreation and the warmth resilience of the hardworking people – all of which help to boost East Africa’s economy, and concluded that if marketed effectively and efficiently, these resources have the potential to develop EAC.
Speaking briefly at the flag off, the Director and Team Leader of the Campfire Logs Guild Initiative, Mr. John Bosco Balango outlined the goal of the cyclists initiative, which is to promote the spirit of the East African Community among the people of East Africa; promote tourism and business potential of the Community while enhancing the awareness of social and cultural peculiarities of people and places in the EAC.
“In other words, the event seeks to promote the integration agenda by sensitizing the citizens of East Africa along the way and helping them understand and own the integration process”, reiterated Mr. Balongo, adding that " the East African bicycle tour is an expression of unity, oneness, togetherness and peace”.
The Director Trade at the East African Community Secretariat, Mr. Alhaj Rashid Kibowa, who received the team on arrival in Arusha from Uganda via Kenya, saluted and commended the youthful cyclists for their committed efforts towards the voluntary exercise.
The Director stated that the Tour d’EAC will go a long way in promoting the EAC and marketing the integration agenda by exposing the people at the grass-roots to information about EAC in regards to its existence, achievements, opportunities, benefits and challenges in order for them to fully embrace the integration pillars. The Director also thanked GIZ for their firm support in making the initiative a reality.
In his remarks prior to the flagging off , Eng. Steven Mlote applauded the team for their commitment towards the noble cause and encouraged them to keep rekindling the East African spirit across the EAC Partner States. He urged them to establish the event as an annual event in collaboration with the EAC Secretariat, aimed at championing the integration agenda. Eng. Mlote also urged the cyclists whom he called true ambassadors of the EAC, to advocate for peace and tranquillity throughout their entire journey.
The team has so far ridden from Kampala, Uganda to Arusha, Tanzania via Nairobi, Kenya and is yet to complete the full cycle of the trail route via Dar-es-Salaam, Dodoma, Kigoma, Bujumbura, Kigali and finally back to Kampala; covering 5,600 kilometers.
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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; Kigali, Rwanda; 06 August 2017:
Three Election Observer Missions including the East African Community (EAC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the International Conference of the Great Lakes (ICGLR) have given a clean bill to the Rwandan Presidential Election in which President Paul Kagame won with a landslide.
In preliminary statements at a press briefing in Kigali today, the Heads of Mission of the three Election Observer Missions (EOMs) said that the election was free and fair and that it was held in a peace and secure atmosphere.
The three, Hon. Moody Awori for EAC, Bishop Mary Nkosi (COMESA) and Hon. Arinaitwe Rwajakara further noted that all presidential candidates including the two from the opposition were provided with security and allowed to campaign freely across the country.
They noted that the media, both public and private, played a crucial role in the campaigns by according balanced and equitable coverage to all the presidential candidates during campaigns in addition to highlighting the key policy issues that were at the heart of the campaigns.
“It was noted that the media including the state-owned Rwanda Broadcasting Agency radio and television stations gave equal airtime to the three presidential candidates to market themselves to the electorate. The EAC EOM noted that while editorial airtime was doled out equally to the candidates, the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front was more visible in the political advertising segment as the only entity that bought advertising slots,” said Awori.
Noting that only the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front party had agents at nearly all the polling stations, the EOMs called on all Political Parties and Independent Candidates to facilitate the deployment of agents at most polling rooms.
In their preliminary recommendations, the three EOMs however called for capacity building especially the need to train polling clerks on election management.
The three missions also emphasized the need for continuous voter/civic education to empower citizens to make informed decisions on Election Day.
They recommended that the practice of playing loud music while the voting process was underway be reconsidered, as it appeared disruptive and noisy.
In its recommendations, EAC urged the Executive and Parliament in Rwanda to consider amending the electoral laws to further empower the National Electoral Commission (NEC) and enhance its autonomy.
EAC also asked the Executive and Legislature in Rwanda to consider legislation to provide for equitable public funding of electoral campaigns.
EAC advised the NEC to explore prospects of limiting support by security agencies to providing security and progressively delinking security personnel from transportation of election materials as per good international practice.
In its recommendation, COMESA urged the Government of Rwanda and NEC to gradually consider incorporating information technology in the electoral process, particularly the transmission of results.
The Rwandan presidential election was contested by the incumbent president Paul Kagame of the Rwandan Patriotic Front, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and journalist Philippe Mpayimana who is running as an independent candidate. President Kagame won the election sweeping 98 per cent of the votes cast.
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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; Nairobi, Kenya; 05 August 2017:
The East African Community Election Observer Mission to Kenya’s 8th August 2017 General Elections yesterday flagged off by the Head of the Mission (HoM), Hon. Prof. Edward B. Rugumayo in Nairobi, Kenya.
Addressing the Observers and the Media, the HoM commended the people of Kenya for so far conducting themselves with maturity in one of the most vibrant election campaigns the country had ever seen.
“I trust that this level of dignity, level mindedness and peace will be upheld throughout the campaigning period, on Election Day and thereafter,” asserted Prof. Rugumayo, adding that “a transparent and peaceful election will manifest the sovereign of all Kenyans to democratically choose their leaders and guarantee peace, stability and economic growth in the country and the region as a whole”. Prof. Rugumayo commended the EAC Election Observers for the dedication and commitment that they had displayed by agreeing to be part of the mission to observe the General Elections in Kenya.
The Head of the Mission flagged off 60 Observers who will cover 21 counties of the 47 counties in the country. The Mission is to observe that the elections are conducted in a transparent, credible, free and fair environment and are in line with the universally acceptable principles of democracy and good governance.
The Observers will follow the campaigns; meet election officials, the populace, candidates and other stakeholders up to and beyond Election Day.
The Observer Mission will release a Preliminary Report on 10th August 2017 after the election and the long-term observer team will spend two more weeks after the election to compile the final observation report with recommendations to the various stakeholders in the Kenya electoral system.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Mission has continued to engage with the various stakeholders during this period. He has met and held discussions with the Chief Justice, David Maraga on the state of preparedness of the Judiciary to the forthcoming General Elections.
The HoM also met the Chair of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Mr. Wafula Chebukati and engaged with the Presidential Candidate Dr. Ekuru Aukot of Thirdway Alliance Kenya (TAK).
The HoM and the EAC Observers received briefings by the Secretary General of the Jubilee Party, Hon. Rapheal Tuju, and from the Chief Executive Officer of the NASA, Mr. Norman Mayaga.
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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; Kigali, Rwanda; 01 August 2017:
he Heads of the East African Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Election Observer Missions (EOMs) have hailed the Republic of Rwanda for holding a cost effective presidential election.
Hon. Moody Awori for EAC and Bishop Mary Nkosi (COMESA) further praised the preparedness of the Rwanda National Electoral Commission (NEC) to conduct the election slated for Friday, 4th August, 2017.
Hon. Awori and Bishop Nkosi observed that the 2017 presidential election would not be as expensive as the previous one held in 2010 in that the unit cost had reduced to US$1 from US$3 per voter.
The two leaders further said it was noteworthy that the NEC has just 55 permanent staff and would rely on 70,000 volunteers thereby cutting down heavily on operational expenses.
They further noted that the people of Rwanda were conducting peaceful and orderly campaigns.
Hon. Awori and Bishop Nkosi held a meeting at the Kigali Serena Hotel where the EAC EOM Secretariat is based. Both Mission heads have already met the Chair of the NEC to assess its preparedness for the election.
Hon. Awori informed Bishop Nkosi that members of the EAC EOM had already been trained, provided with observation gadgets and flagged off to the 30 districts of Rwanda.
The former Kenyan Vice President said that a multiple level general election as is the case in most African countries often brings about numerous logistical challenges compounded with the vast geographical sizes.
“In Rwanda, it is notable that there are only three candidates contesting in the presidential election,” he said.
Apart from the EAC, COMESA and the African Union, the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) will observe the Rwandan election.
Hon. Awori and Bishop Nkosi said that it would be ideal if the EAC, COMESA and other African observation missions present their preliminary reports jointly on 6th August, 2017.
The Rwandan presidential election is will be contested by the incumbent president Paul Kagame of the Rwandan Patriotic Front, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and journalist Philippe Mpayimana who is running as an independent candidate.
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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; Nairobi, Kenya; 01 August 2017:
The East African Community Election Observation Mission to Kenya’s 8th August 2017 General Elections has been launched in Nairobi, Kenya, with an appeal to all Kenyans to vote calmly and uphold peace and tranquillity for the betterment of all Kenyans and the East African region as a whole.
Launching the Mission this morning, the Head of the Mission, Hon. Prof. Edward B. Rugumayo said the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC mandates and tasks the Partner States to enhance universally acceptable principles of good governance that include democracy, rule of law, freedom, observance of human rights and social justice, accountability, transparency, equal opportunities, gender equality; and cooperation in political affairs.
Prof. Rugumayo disclosed that the Mission comprises 60 members, drawn from Electoral Management Bodies, National Legislative Assemblies, members of the Former East African Legislative Assembly, National Human Rights Commissions, Civil Society, EAC Youth Ambassadors and the EAC Secretariat.
Prof. Rugumayo further disclosed that the Community attaches great importance to promotion of democratic governance as a strong foundation for the region’s political and economic integration, which is also the guarantee for political stability in the region.
“Our vision of a prosperous, competitive, secure, stable and politically united East Africa can only be attained through economic growth, peace and security with a stamp of legitimate governments by the citizenry, asserted the Head of the Mission, adding that “this is why we are keen on free and fair, transparent and credible elections in all the Partner States”.
He wished the citizens of Kenya success in choosing their President and all other leaders through this important democratic exercise, saying “it is in this way that the gains in democracy, national development and reconciliation processes made will be consolidated for securing the future of Kenyans“.
“The people of East Africa will continue to accompany the Kenyans in this and other endeavours towards promotion of sustainable homegrown solutions”.
At the same occasion, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge, said the Community was proud to be associated with elections in the Partner States under the guidance of the EAC Treaty and decisions of the Council of Ministers. He commended representatives from sister Observer Missions from COMESA, IGAD, AU and EU for attending the occasion.
The Deputy Secretary General urged the EAC Election Observers to be impartial and objective and be guided by the democratic principles and values outlined in the African Charter for Democracy, Elections and Governance and the EAC Principles for Election Observation and Evaluation.
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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; Kigali, Rwanda; 31 July 2017:
The Head of the EAC Election Observer Mission (EOM) to the 2017 Rwandan Presidential Election, former Kenyan Vice President Moody Awori, today flagged off 30 Observers who will assess the election in the 30 districts of the country.
Mr. Awori, who flagged off the 10 teams at a Kigali hotel, thanked the people of Rwanda for conducting themselves with maturity in the ongoing election campaigns.
“I trust that you will uphold dignity and peace even on the Election Day and thereafter,” he said.
The former Vice President further said that a transparent and peaceful election will be a plus not just for Rwanda but for the entire EAC region as well.
“The sovereign will of the people expressed through a democratic process is a guarantee for peace, stability and economic growth,” he said, adding that Rwanda had set a good example for the rest of the continent over the past two decades.
“Rwanda is a small country with big ideas but its resilient recovery from a painful past is a remarkable lesson for Africa whose citizens all yearn for peace and development,” he said.
“Your experience shows that with political commitment and sheer determination, there is no limit to humanity’s potential to achieve.”
The EAC has deployed a total of 10 teams of EAC Observers to all Provinces of Rwanda sampling 30 districts to assess the level of preparedness of the elections as well as the polling process.
The Mission will issue a statement of its preliminary findings on the elections on 6th August, 2017 through a press conference with a comprehensive report subsequently being issued by the EAC through its policy organs after the end of the electoral process in Rwanda.
The Rwandan presidential election, which will be held on 4th August, 2017, is will be contested by the incumbent president Paul Kagame of the Rwandan Patriotic Front, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and journalist Philippe Mpayimana who is running as an independent candidate.
The EOM comprises 30 short-term observers drawn from the East African Legislative Assembly, national Human Rights Commissions, Electoral Management Bodies, Civil Society, EAC Youth Ambassadors and the Staff of the EAC Secretariat.
The Mission arrived in Kigali on 26th July, 2017 and will remain in the country until 7th August, 2017. It was preceded by a team of election experts from the EAC Partner States who arrived on 16th July, 2017.
The Mission will observe the concluding stages of the election campaigns and engage with various stakeholders as well as observe the voting and counting processes on and after 4th August, 2017.
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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.
