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Press Release

Secretary General launches East African Global Impact Challenge 2017

East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 02 March 2017:
The East African Global Impact Challenge 2017 was launched today by the East African Community Secretary General, Amb Liberat Mfumukeko in the company of Dr. Nicholas Haan, Director of Global Grand Challenges at Singularity University in California, United States America.

The purpose of the SingularityU East Africa Global Impact Challenge is to foster moonshot innovations and startups that positively impact the lives of people living in East Africa, with an ability to scale and impact a billion people worldwide in 10 years.

The challenge is to submit an innovative idea to solve a critical social or environmental issue.  This year’s theme is Climate Change, including solutions for prevention, adaptation, and mitigation. The innovative idea must have relevance in the East Africa Region as well as address a global issue. The innovation should utilize cutting-edge technology.

With financial support from Google, Singularity University will provide the winner full scholarship to its prestigious Global Solutions Program—a 10 week program held at Singularity University’s campus within the NASA Ames Research Park in the centre of Silicon Valley, United States.

The deadline for submission of applications is 23rd March 2017. The winner of the Challenge will be selected during a pitch event that will be held on March 23rd this year in Nairobi, Kenya.

Addressing the media at the launch, the EAC Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko stated that the East African Global Impact Challenge 2017 comes at a very important and appropriate time for EAC because it provides an opportunity for citizenry to get involved in getting solutions to critical social or environmental issues.

“The East African Community recognizes Climate Change as a very critical issue. We have addressed it in the 4th EAC Development Strategy and will continue to address it in both the EAC Vision 2050 and the 5th EAC Development Strategy’’, asserted the Secretary General.

The Secretary General informed the media that EAC aspires to build the region’s ICT capacities to encourage innovation and increase competitiveness. “We are delighted to collaborate with Singularity University to build bridges between the Silicon Valley in the USA and East Africa’’

On his part Nicholas Haan, Director of Global Grand Challenges at Singularity University said the overall  mission of Global Impact Competition is to encourage East Africans to develop innovative solutions to regional pressing problems with the hope that some of these solutions would be actually implemented in those areas.

He  informed the media that increasingly, technology was in the hands of innovators around the world–including the people who are most facing challenges. This is a great transformation and is certain to create a plethora of solutions on local and global scales.” added Nicholas Haan.

Director Haan disclosed to the media that the climate change was selected as a theme for this year  because it has consequences for every industry, geographic region, and way of life.

“We are looking for applicants from any technology or science discipline because we know a challenge as huge as climate change can only be solved within the convergence of multiple disciplines and exponential technologies’’.

Application Criteria:

  • The challenge is open to residents and citizens in East Africa Countries
  • You must be age 21 or older on the first day of the GSP
  • Must be fluent in written and spoken English
  • Able to participate for the entire GSP17 program
  • Applicants selected as finalists will be interviewed by a panel of judges on 23rd March 2017

Assessment Criteria:

  • Degree of solution’s relevance to the theme of the challenge
  • The regional relevance in solving the challenge in East Africa
  • Feasibility, Viability and Coherence of implementing the idea
  • Entrepreneurial and innovative potential, with a focus on technological novelty
  • Applicant’s leadership experience and quality, profile, achievements, and potential

For more information on how to apply for the  East African Global Impact Challenge 2017,please visit http://giceastafrica.info/


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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.

 

Preparations in High Gear for the 6th East African Health and Scientific Conference & International Health Exhibition and Trade Fair in Bujumbura, Burundi

East African Health and Research Commission; Arusha, Tanzania; 02 March 2017:
Preparations are in high gear for the 6th Health and Scientific Conference & International Health Exhibition and Trade Fair scheduled to take place from 29th to 31st March 2017 in Bujumbura, Burundi.

Themed: Preparedness for and control of disease outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics, in the context of climate change, globalization, and gaps in health systems, the event is being organized by the East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC) of the East African Community in collaboration with the EAC Partner States through their respective National Ministries responsible for Health, EAC Affairs, and other relevant institutions and bodies, and in close collaboration with regional and international health-related NGOs, civil society organizations, individuals, and other stakeholders in the region.

According to the Executive Secretary of the EAHRC, Prof. Gibson Kibiki, the National Steering Committee and its Scientific sub-committee are on top of things and so far over 500 participants are expected to attend and the process for registration is ongoing. Key resource persons and Development Partners have also confirmed their presence.

The Conference’s participation fee for citizens of the EAC Partner States is US$ 50, Students is US$ 10, Students with selected abstract: free, and Non EAC Citizens is US$ 200. The Exhibitors’ Fee is US$ 250 per day.

The Executive Secretary has also confirmed that six (6) Symposia as side meetings to the Conference will be held as follows, the first one will look at lessons learnt from:

  • Ebola and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1: Way forward for Preparedness for and control of outbreak
  • Managing recurrent epidemics: Experiences and opportunities for strengthening preparedness and control of epidemics in EAC
  • HIV pandemic: Preparedness for and control of the adverse events associated with chronic administration of ARV agents.

The second one will tackle Gap between (mis) use of antimicrobial agents and policy on antimicrobial agents: the role of the Partner States and EAC, the third will be on Mitigating impact of globalisation and climate change on health, the forth will focus on Integrated Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and HIV/AIDS, the fifth will be about the importance of Academic Health Centers as part of the health improvement agenda in low and middle-income countries, and lastly there is a symposium on strengthening collaboration between civil society and key research stakeholders in promoting health research and innovation in Africa.

The East African Community Secretariat has also confirmed that the 14th Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health will be held from 23rd to 28th March 2017 in Bujumbura, with the Session of Senior Officials (EAC Sectoral Committee on Health) taking place from 23rd to 25th March 2017; Session of the Coordinating Committee (Principal/Permanent Secretaries) on 27th March 2017, and the Ministerial Session (the EAC Sectoral Council on Health) on 28th March 2017.

The 12th Joint and separate meetings of the various EAC Partner States’ National Health Professional Statutory Regulatory Boards, Councils, Associations, Societies and Federations will also be held from 27th to 28th March 2017.

Journalists from the EAC Partner States intending to travel to Bujumbura to cover these events should submit by email: a scanned Official Permission letter from the Editors/Media Houses allowing them to travel to Bujumbura, Burundi to cover the event, a scanned copy of the press card; 2 recent passport size photographs, a copy of passport, and a list and type of equipment they will carry etc etc for accreditation purposes to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., CC: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; The Conference participation fee for Journalists will be waived.

For more information about the Conference visit: www.eac.int/6eahsc


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Notes to Editor: 

The 12th Ordinary Session of the EAC Council of Ministers in the year 2006, approved the regional East African Health and Scientific Conference & International  Health Exhibition and Trade Fair to be convened in East Africa and hosted on a rotational basis by the EAC Partner States through their respective National Ministries responsible for EAC Affairs, the Ministry responsible for Health, and other relevant institutions and bodies, and in close collaboration with regional and international health-related NGOs, civil society organizations, individuals, and other stakeholders in the region.

The EAC Health and Scientific Conference is an opportunity for scientists and the decision makers of the region to share and discuss updated findings from health research for policy translation and practice.

The main theme and sub themes of the conference are identified following a participatory process in Partner States and are approved by the EAC Ministers Responsible for Health.

The 10th ordinary meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health held in Arusha, 16th October 2014, approved the hosting of the 6th East African Health and Scientific Conference & International Health Exhibition and Trade Fair in 2016 by the Republic of Burundi.

Based on the Protocol establishing the East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC), the Commission is tasked with the responsibility of coordinating the East African Health and Scientific Conference & International Health Exhibition and Trade Fair.

 

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

OR

Dr. Jean de Dieu Ngirebega
Deputy Executive Secretary (Research)
East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC)
E-mail: jngirabega [at] eachq.org
Telephone: +255753693811
 

About the East African Health and Research Commission:

The East African Health and Research Commission (EAHRC), an Institution of the East African Community, is a mechanism for making available to the Community, advice upon all matters of health and health-related research and findings necessary for knowledge generation, technological development, policy formulation and practice, and for related matters. It is the principal advisory institution to the EAC on Health Research and Development (R&D).

EALA to Sit in Kigali Next Week

East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 02 March 2017:
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) holds its sitting in Kigali, Rwanda, next week. The Fifth Meeting of the Fifth Session of the Third Assembly takes place from Monday, March 6th, 2017 to Thursday, March 16th, 2017.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Daniel F. Kidega shall preside over the Sitting. President Paul Kagame is expected to address a Special Sitting on March 6th, 2017, in line with Article 64 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC as is customary whenever EALA sits in the Partner States.

The three key Bills on the agenda are the EAC Gender Equality and Development Bill, 2016, the EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill, 2016 and the EAC Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Bill, 2016.

The EAC Gender Equality and Development Bill, 2016 makes provision for gender equality, protection and development in the Community. The Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC in Article 121 recognises the significant contribution that women make towards progress of socio-economic transformation and sustainable growth and the importance of full participation of women and men in the economic and social development of the Partner States.

The EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill, 2016 moved by Hon. Patricia Hajabakiga, aims at providing a legal framework for the preservation of a clean and healthy environment through the prohibition of manufacturing, sale, importation and use of polythene materials.  The Bill was re-introduced during the Sitting held in August 2016 in Arusha, Tanzania.

The EAC Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights Bill, 2016, on its part, anticipates provision of legal framework for matters relating to sexual and reproductive health, to protect children, adolescents and young children from sexual abuse and other forms of exploitation and to provide for assisted reproductive technology and for related matters.

Also to be deliberated on during the two week period are reports from various Committees of the House, including that of the Communications, Trade and Investment Committee on the status of the Railway Infrastructure Development in the Partner States and another on the oversight activity on the One Network Area in the EAC.

A report on the newly established EAC Institutions and another one on the Pastoral cross border Communities of Longido, Tanzania and Kajiado in Kenya shall also be tabled and debated. The latter report follows an oversight activity carried in the Kenya-Tanzania border by the Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution while the former is as a result of an oversight activity by the Assembly’s Committee on Accounts.


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For more information, please contact:

Mr Bobi Odiko
Senior Public Relations Officer
East African Legislative Assembly
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: +255-27-2508240
Fax: +255-27-2503103
Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036
Email: BOdiko [at] eachq.org
Web: www.eala.org

About the East African Community Secretariat:

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is the Legislative Organ of the Community and has a cardinal function to further EAC objectives, through its Legislative, Representative and Oversight mandate. It was established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.

Secretary General to Host Executive Directors from African Development Bank

East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 01 March 2017:

The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko will host Executive Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) on Friday 3rd March, 2017. The high powered delegation will pay a courtesy call on the Secretary General and will consist 10 Executive Directors.

The ADB Mission will be in the United Republic of Tanzania from 28th February to 4th March 2017, as part of the annual agenda of the Board of Directors of the Bank. The agenda requires Executive Directors to undertake consultative missions to evaluate the quality of Bank supported projects in member countries and this year, it was decided that Tanzania and the EAC Secretariat will be visited.

During their mission to Tanzania, the Executive Directors will meet with officials from the Ministry of Finance and other line Ministries, agencies that are recipients of Bank support and execute Bank supported projects. They will also hold consultations with the Governor of the Bank of Tanzania in order to appreciate the macroeconomic and financial sector developments of the country.

Since the Bank works closely with other Development Partners to leverage its resources, the delegation will also hold consultations with Development Finance Institutions, UN agencies and overseas development agencies. In addition, a dialogue with the private sector will be held to enhance the understanding of the Executive Directors on the potential role of the private sector in driving inclusive economic growth and how the Bank can be positioned to catalyze this function.

At the EAC Headquarters, the Executive Directors will discuss the Bank’s collaboration with the Community since the signing of a cooperation agreement in 1998. The agreement has resulted in the funding of several regional projects by the Bank, mainly in the transport and energy sectors.

The following are some of the key projects funded by the Bank over the years:

i) Arusha – Namanga – Athi River road (construction completed in 2012)
ii) Arusha – Holili/Taveta – Voi road (Kenyan side completed, construction on Tanzanian side ongoing)
iii) Malindi – Lunga Lunga / Tanga – Bagamoyo road (studies completed)
iv) Nyakanazi – Manyovu / Rumonge – Bujumbura road (studies ongoing)
v)  Lusahunga – Rusumo / Kayonza – Kigali road (studies ongoing)
vi) Formulation of the EAC Transport Strategy (2012), and
vii) The EAC Railways Master Plan (2009) and EAC Railways Sector Enhancement project (2016). 

It is expected that EAC and the AfDB delegation will review the performance of Bank supported projects and discuss ways of addressing any challenges that may have hindered their smooth implementation.

The two institutions will also discuss the prospects for future collaboration in the existing portfolios and possible expansion of scope of cooperation in other sectors.


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Notes to Editor: 

The African Development Bank was founded in 1964 and has three constituent Institutions namely; The African Development Bank (ADB), The African Development Fund (ADF) and The Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Its shareholders comprise 54 African countries (regional member countries) and 27 non-African countries (non-regional member countries). The AfDB mission is to promote sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty in Africa.

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; 01 March 2017:

The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko will host Executive Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) on Friday 3rd March, 2017. The high powered delegation will pay a courtesy call on the Secretary General and will consist 10 Executive Directors.

The ADB Mission will be in the United Republic of Tanzania from 28th February to 4th March 2017, as part of the annual agenda of the Board of Directors of the Bank. The agenda requires Executive Directors to undertake consultative missions to evaluate the quality of Bank supported projects in member countries and this year, it was decided that Tanzania and the EAC Secretariat will be visited.

During their mission to Tanzania, the Executive Directors will meet with officials from the Ministry of Finance and other line Ministries, agencies that are recipients of Bank support and execute Bank supported projects. They will also hold consultations with the Governor of the Bank of Tanzania in order to appreciate the macroeconomic and financial sector developments of the country.

Since the Bank works closely with other Development Partners to leverage its resources, the delegation will also hold consultations with Development Finance Institutions, UN agencies and overseas development agencies. In addition, a dialogue with the private sector will be held to enhance the understanding of the Executive Directors on the potential role of the private sector in driving inclusive economic growth and how the Bank can be positioned to catalyze this function.

At the EAC Headquarters, the Executive Directors will discuss the Bank’s collaboration with the Community since the signing of a cooperation agreement in 1998. The agreement has resulted in the funding of several regional projects by the Bank, mainly in the transport and energy sectors.

The following are some of the key projects funded by the Bank over the years:

i) Arusha – Namanga – Athi River road (construction completed in 2012)
ii) Arusha – Holili/Taveta – Voi road (Kenyan side completed, construction on Tanzanian side ongoing)
iii) Malindi – Lunga Lunga / Tanga – Bagamoyo road (studies completed)
iv) Nyakanazi – Manyovu / Rumonge – Bujumbura road (studies ongoing)
v)  Lusahunga – Rusumo / Kayonza – Kigali road (studies ongoing)
vi) Formulation of the EAC Transport Strategy (2012), and
vii) The EAC Railways Master Plan (2009) and EAC Railways Sector Enhancement project (2016). 

It is expected that EAC and the AfDB delegation will review the performance of Bank supported projects and discuss ways of addressing any challenges that may have hindered their smooth implementation.

The two institutions will also discuss the prospects for future collaboration in the existing portfolios and possible expansion of scope of cooperation in other sectors.


- ENDS -

Notes to Editor: 

The African Development Bank was founded in 1964 and has three constituent Institutions namely; The African Development Bank (ADB), The African Development Fund (ADF) and The Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Its shareholders comprise 54 African countries (regional member countries) and 27 non-African countries (non-regional member countries). The AfDB mission is to promote sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty in Africa.

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.

H.E Uhuru Kenyatta Reassures Support to EAC Integration Agenda

East African Community Secretariat; Nairobi, Kenya; 25 February 2017:

The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko yesterday Friday 24th February 2017 paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Kenya; H.E Uhuru Kenyatta at State House in Nairobi, accompanied by his Deputy in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge.

Also present at the courtesy visit was Hon. Phyllis Kandie; the Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, Labour and Social Protection and Ms. Betty Maina; the Principal Secretary in the State Department of East African Affairs in the Republic of Kenya.

The Secretary General briefed H.E Uhuru Kenyatta on organizational changes at the Secretariat to ensure operational and financial efficiency, the integration of the Republic of South Sudan into the Community, increased confidence on the Secretariat by the international community, as well as a few challenges being encountered in the integration agenda.

Amb. Liberat took note of the upcoming General Elections in the Republics of Kenya and Rwanda, and informed H.E. Kenyatta that EAC is preparing to dispatch Election Observer Missions to the two Partner States. He also informed the President about the upcoming 18th Summit of the EAC Heads of State which is planned to take place on 6 April 2017 in Arusha, Tanzania.

On his part, President Kenyatta assured the Secretary General of Kenya’s commitment to the regional integration process and confirmed participation in the upcoming 18th Summit of the EAC Heads of State. H.E Uhuru Kenyatta also indicated that Kenya will present its budget proposal earlier than June as the country prepares for august elections. EAC Partner States have had a traditional of presenting their budget simultaneously in June to the national parliament.

The President also urged the Secretary General to ensure efficiency in the use of resources at the EAC and to ensure that reforms are geared towards saving costs.President Kenyatta once again congratulated the Secretary General upon his appointment and wished him success as he steers EAC for the next five years.

In another development, Amb. Mfumukeko met and discussed with Hon. Phyllis Kandie the current liquidity challenges facing the Community. Present at the meeting were the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge and Ms. Betty Maina. At the meeting, the EAC Secretariat was tasked to propose mitigation measures aimed at addressing prevailing financial constraints and present to the Policy Organ, the Council of Ministers.


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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.

Kigali to host 2nd EAC High-Level Manufacturing Business Summit and Exhibition

East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 22 February 2017:

The 2nd high-level East African Manufacturing Business Summit and Exhibition (EAMBS) organized by the East African Community (EAC) is scheduled to take place 23rd - 25th May, 2017 in Kigali, Rwanda.

The three-day conference themed "Harnessing the Manufacturing Potential for Sustainable  Economic Growth" will bring together top executives in the manufacturing and agri-business sectors, policy and decision makers, as well as key financial institutions from Africa and beyond to dialogue and explore opportunities for investment in manufacturing and agri-business in the EAC region.

The EAMBS will include an exhibition where investors, enterprises, researchers and academia will collectively showcase new products and services as well as exhibit the latest advances in manufacturing technology and innovation, particularly those with relevance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

The official opening of the Summit is expected to be presided over by the President of the Republic Rwanda, H.E Paul Kagame

Speaking  ahead of the Manufacturing Summit, the Director of Productive Sectors at the EAC Secretariat, Mr. Jean Baptiste Havugimana, said  the Summit which is co-organized by the EAC Secretariat, the East African Business Council (EABC) and Government of Rwanda, will provide a strategic platform for an extensive and intensive dialogue on opportunities and challenges of industrialisation in the region.

Mr. Havugimana noted  that Summit is a platform borne out of the recognition that sustainable economic growth and development in East Africa is unattainable without creating a vibrant and diversified manufacturing sector.

”The Manufacturing Business Summit marks an important turning point for the future of manufacturing in the region," he added.

The 2nd EAMBS is expected to create greater awareness about the opportunities and challenges arising from the Common Market Protocol for the regional manufacturing sector. It is supposed to serve as a platform not only for initial business contacts, but also for exchange of ideas on how to address the existing challenges in the regional integration process.


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Notes to Editor: 

The 2nd high-level Manufacturing Business Summit and Exhibition is the follow up of the 1st Manufacturing Business Summit and Exhibition which took place at the Speke Resort Hotel, Munyonyo in Kampala, Uganda  in 2015.

The biannual East African Manufacturing and Business Summit is being organized against a backdrop of economic resurgence and high political commitment to pursue development driven by industrialization. The forum therefore stands to offer an important platform for governments in the region to engage the private sector on critical steps needed to leverage higher levels of investment in manufacturing.

The expected outcome is significant impact on broader socio economic development objectives such as employment creation, technology transfer and wealth creation.   The forum seeks to create an avenue for the private sector to advocate and campaign for the acceleration of industrial reforms aimed at improvement of investment conditions in the EAC strategic sectors.

The EAC region has already identified strategic areas for industrial development in the region that bear comparative advantages and where significant private sector investment is needed to unlock potentials. These strategic sectors include: agro-processing and agri-business; mineral processing; pharmaceuticals; construction materials; fertilizers & agro-chemicals as well as the strengthened leather & textiles and automotive sector.

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.

Registrar of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals pays courtesy to EACJ

East African Court of Justice; Arusha, Tanzania; 18 February 2017:

The Registrar of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT), His Worship Olufemi Elias, accompanied by Mr. Samuel Akorimo, Head of Office MICT Registry Arusha Branch and Mr. Ousman Njikam, External Relations Officer, Arusha Branch yesterday paid courtesy call on the Judge President of the EACJ.
 
His Lordship Justice Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, President of the Court welcomed the Registrar to the East African Court of Justice and wished the best in his new office as the 2nd Registrar of the Mechanism.
 
The Registrar of the Mechanism expressed his gratitude to visit the EACJ and called upon the Judges and staff of the Court to have access to the records of the MICT for several purposes. His Worship explained that, the Mechanism has two branches: one in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, which covers functions inherited from the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), Arusha Branch, and the other in the Hague, the Netherlands, which covers functions inherited from the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia (ICTY), the Hague Branch. The Arusha Branch additionally has a satellite field office located in Kigali, Rwanda ("Kigali Office").
 
His Worship also told the meeting that he heads the Registry of the Mechanism, which is responsible for the institution’s administration. That the Registry also assists the Chambers, and the Office of the Prosecutor, in the performance of their responsibilities through the provision of support services.
 
Mr. Samuel Akorimo, Head of Office MICT Registry Arusha Branch, said that the functions of the Mechanisms include; assistance to national jurisdictions. That with the completion of the ICTR’s mandate at the end of 2015, and the expected completion of the ICTY’s mandate at the end of 2017, further cases related to crimes committed in Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia are now being tried within national jurisdictions.
 
Consequently, the number of requests for assistance from courts, prosecutors, and defence lawyers in relation to national investigations and prosecutions has been growing. That the Mechanism responds to requests for assistance from national authorities and others by providing evidence, facilitating the collection of information, and offering other technical support at their request.
 
He further said that cases referred to national jurisdictions, Pursuant to Article 6(5) of its Statute, the Mechanism is responsible for monitoring cases referred by the ICTR and the ICTY to national courts, with the assistance of international and regional organizations and bodies. That the Mechanism currently monitors five cases referred by the ICTR to national courts.
 
In addition his Worship said that, the Mechanism is responsible for the preservation, including the management and access, of the ICTR, the ICTY, and the Mechanism archives. These archives document investigations, indictments, and court proceedings, the protection of witnesses, work relating to the detention of accused persons, the enforcement of sentences, and the Tribunals’ relationships with States, other law enforcement authorities, international and non-governmental organizations, and the general public.
 
The archives consist of a range of materials, from photographs and documents to maps and audiovisual recordings. That the archives are the property of the United Nations and the Mechanism Archives and Records Section (“MARS”) preserves them in accordance with the highest international standards.
 
The Registrar added that also the Mechanism facilitates the tracking and prosecution of remaining fugitives. He said that eight individuals indicted by the ICTR for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes are still at large, three individuals are expected to be tried by the Mechanism, and the cases of the remaining five individuals are expected to be tried in Rwanda. That locating and arresting the remaining ICTR fugitives is a top priority for the Mechanism’s Office of the Prosecutor.
 
He further said that among other functions of the Mechanism is protection of victims and witnesses, that over 10,000 witnesses, many of whom are also victims, gave evidence before the ICTR and the ICTY. In total, 46 per cent of those witnesses were granted protective measures by the Tribunals.  He further said that the Mechanism continues to ensure that witnesses receive protection and support both for ongoing cases before the Mechanism and completed cases from the two Tribunals and the Mechanism.
 
Registrar also added that supervision of enforcement of sentences is a key function of the Mechanisms. Those persons convicted by the ICTR, the ICTY, and the Mechanism serve their sentences in one of the States that have signed an agreement on the enforcement of sentences. That these sentences are enforced in accordance with international standards on detention and the applicable law of the enforcing State, subject to the supervision of the Mechanism. He also said that the President of the Mechanism is responsible for designating the State of enforcement, supervising the enforcement of sentences, and deciding on requests for pardon, commutation of sentence, or early release.
 
That the Mechanism also is responsible for conducting the appeals proceedings, review of the judgements pronounced by the tribunals or Mechanism, retrial of the tribunals or mechanism as well as trials for contempt and false testimony.His Worship called on EACJ for the good cooperation and working relations to render justice.
 
His Lordship, the President of the Court thanked the Registrar of the Mechanism and his team for sparing their time to visit the Court and he pledged continuous working relations between the Court and the Mechanism. The President was accompanied by the Two Judges of the Appellate Justice Liboire Nkurunziza, Vice President and Justice Edward Rutakangwa, who are in Arusha for the sessions as well as the Deputy Registrar, Her Worship Geraldine Umugwaneza and other Staff of the Court.


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For more information, please contact:

Yufnalis Okubo
Registrar
East African Court of Justice.
Tel: 255-27-2162149
Email Okubo [at] eachq.org
Arusha, Tanzania
http://www.eacj.org

About the East African Court of Justice:

The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. Established in November 2001, the Court’s major responsibility is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty.

Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the respective National Courts in the Partner States

Secretary General Meets the Chairperson of EAC Heads of State Summit

East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 15 February 2017:

The Secretary General Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko held a meeting at State House with the Chairperson of the EAC Heads of State Summit HE John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, the President of United Republic of Tanzania.

The Secretary General briefed the Chairperson of the Summit on the progress made so far on a number of things including implementation of the key protocols i.e. The Customs Union, Common Market Protocol and the Monetary Union.

The Secretary General and Chairperson of the Summit also discussed the upcoming 35th Meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers and the 18th Summit of the EAC Heads of State Summit and noted that two of the EAC countries had indicated that they have other activities on the dates planned, they agreed to push the meetings to start on 30th March 2017 climaxing with the summit on 6th April, 2017.

The Chairperson of the Summit encouraged the Secretary General to ensure efficiency in the use of resources at EAC.  He directed the Secretary General to ensure that there are reforms geared to cost savings at this era of financial difficulties.

He added that national governments were also taking of cutting costs and ensuring efficiency and value for money. During the meeting with His Excellency, the President, the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Minister, Amb. Dr. Augustine Mahiga also participated.


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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.

Canada Accredits Envoy to EAC Bloc

East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 14 February 2017:

The Canadian High Commissioner to the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Ian Myles, today presented accreditation letter to the East African Community Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko appointing him as his country’s representatives to the EAC bloc.

While receiving the Canadian envoy, Amb. Mfumukeko hailed the existing cordial relations between the EAC and Canada. The Secretary General welcomed support from the Canadian government geared towards enabling the Community to achieve its ambitious agenda.

The Secretary General briefed H.E. Myles on the current achievements in the pillars of the regional integration and development process. He said the Community had expanded tremendously within a short spell of time which has necessitated a review of its institutional set-up and work on a sustainable financing mechanism.

Amb. Mfumukeko and the Canadian envoy discussed several issues including the status of the EAC-EU Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and the Inter-Burundi Dialogue. They also explored areas of collaboration in trade, investment and agro-processing.

The Secretary General also informed the High Commissioner on his priorities over the next four years which include: increasing investment for job creation, and; improving agriculture to ensure food security and job creation for the youth in East Africa.

On his part his, H.E. Myles told the Secretary General that his government attaches great importance to regional economic groupings such as the EAC. He commended the Secretariat for the role it is playing in promoting regional integration.


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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.

UK to Strengthen Ties with East African Community

East African Community Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 14 February 2017:

The United Kingdom will strengthen trade and investment links with the East African Community Partner States for mutual benefit.

UK High Commissioner to the United Republic of Tanzania and the EAC, Her Excellency Sarah Cooke, said that her country would remain an outward-focused trade-based economy with strong partnerships with other countries and regional economic blocs even in the wake of Brexit.

Ms. Cooke said the UK would create new partnerships with the EAC aimed at promoting private sector-led economic growth for employment creation and poverty reduction in the East African region.

The envoy disclosed that the UK was the biggest contributor to TradeMark East Africa (TMEA), adding that the funding to TMEA was being utilised to finance technical assistance to the EAC in sectors such as customs, trade, investment and video teleconferencing.

The High Commissioner made the remarks when she presented her credentials to the EAC Secretary General, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania today.

Ms. Cooke hailed Amb. Mfumukeko for his efforts in strengthening efficiency and reforming public expenditure within the EAC.

In his remarks, Amb. Mfumukeko thanked the UK for its generous support to the EAC over the years singling out the TMEA funding which he said had resulted in numerous benefits to the Partner States especially in revenue collection and investment promotion.

Amb. Mfumukeko said his priorities over the next four years would be to: promote the free movement of persons and labour as enshrined in the EAC Common Market Protocol; increase investment for job creation, and; improve agriculture to ensure food security and create employment for the youth in East Africa.

Accompanying the High Commissioner to the function was Mr. Tim Lamont, Senior Growth, Trade and Investment Advisor (East Africa) at the Department for International Development Office in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

TMEA is an East African not-for-profit company established in 2010 to support the growth of trade – both regional and international – in East Africa. TMEA is focused on ensuring that gains from trade result in tangible gains for East Africans.


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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
EAC Close
Afrika Mashariki Road
P.O. Box 1096
Arusha
United Republic of Tanzania

Tel: +255 (0)27 216 2100
Fax: +255 (0)27 216 2190
Email: eac@eachq.org