The East African Community (EAC) Secretary General, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, today officially opened a two-day Regional Trade and Feed the Future Coordination Conference organized by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the EAC.
The two day conference, which is taking place at the Kibo Palace Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania is aimed at enhancing collaboration and information sharing among USAID missions and Partners to improve integration, innovation and scaling up of results, will focus on the implementation of policy priorities and sharing lessons learned from across the region and initiatives.
Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera said that the EAC and US government have built and sustained a mutual and strategic partnership dating back to the EAC’s inception.
"The partnership continues to grow from strength to strength through common development objectives and funding for various programs including trade and investment, agriculture, environment, Health and institutional support," said Dr Sezibera.
"I wish to acknowledge and appreciate the tremendous contribution and investments that USAID has made in advancing regional integration particularly in the EAC Region," he added.
The Secretary General disclosed that in 2015, the EAC concluded a Cooperation Agreement on Trade Facilitation, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS), and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), adding that the implementation of the agreement would strengthen the capacities and enhance competitiveness of the EAC Partner States in areas of trade and agricultural development.
On his part, the USAID/Kenya and East Africa/Regional Economic Integration Office Director, Mr. Matthew Rees, hailed the efforts that the Community has made in implementing policy priorities, adding that this has promoted prosperity in the region.
Present at the conference were USAID mission staff, representatives from other US Government Agencies (USDA), implementing partners as well as officials from the EAC Partner States.
The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera today received Mr Sam Nkusi, Group Executive of Liquid Telecom, the leading independent data, voice and IP provider in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa. The Secretary General, who was accompanied by Eng. Robert Achieng, EAC Senior Engineer in charge of Planning and Communications, warmly welcomed the Liquid Telecom Group Executive to the EAC Headquarters.
Mr Nkusi briefed Amb. Sezibera on the operations of Liquid Telecom and said the company was embarking on a project to build a new submarine cable infrastructure that will provide a cost-effective and reliable link for landlocked, southern, central and east African countries to the Internet and to the world.
“Leveraging Liquid Telecom's 20,000km-long fibre optic terrestrial network, this pan-African private sector project will support fast growing needs for Internet connectivity and help Africa’s Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector leapfrog towards achieving its Sustainable Development Goals” noted the Liquid Telecom CEO.
Mr. Nkusi reiterated that the cable, running along the East coast of Africa and into the Red Sea, will take a less congested route to Europe, and will interconnect with all existing networks and with other international submarine cables. According to Liquid Telecom, this will also address the need for mobile operators to increase internet speed delivered over their mobile broadband networks.
He said the project was a major step towards fulfilling EAC’s mission to widen and deepen Economic, Political, Social and Cultural integration in order to improve the quality of life of the people of East Africa.
The Secretary General hailed the private sector-led initiative and affirmed the Secretariat and the Community’s support to the project and urged Partner States to support the project. He noted that the biggest support EAC could provide towards the overall implementation of the project would be to provide a Cross-Border Inter-Connectivity Regulatory Framework in order to guide and facilitate inter-connections across borders within the EAC, and could possibly be shared with other regional economic blocks in Africa.
The government of Spain has accredited its Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania, Mr Felix Costales Artieda, to also serve as Ambassador to the East African Community. His Excellency Felix Costales Artieda today presented accreditation letter to the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera.
Amb. Felix Artieda informed the Secretary General that his government attaches great importance to regional economic groupings such as the EAC and congratulated the EAC Secretary General for the wonderful regional initiative. “Count on Spain’s support because the goals of the Community are excellent for the prosperity of the people in the region”, asserted the Spain Envoy, adding that “regional integration initiatives take time but you need to continue so as to build a strong and powerful bloc”.
While receiving the Spain Envoy, the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera hailed the existing cordial relations between the EAC and Spain. The Secretary General welcomed the support from the Spainish Government geared towards enabling the Community to achieve its ambitious agenda.
Dr Sezibera briefed him on the progress being registered by the Community so far that include implementation of Protocols on the Customs Union, Common Market and East African Monetary Union.
Meanwhile, earlier today, the EAC Secretary General met the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, H.E Mr Lv Youqing for bilateral discussion. The two parties deliberated on a number of areas that offer the potential for collaboration between EAC and China including the cooperation in aviation and trade sectors.
The EAC Secretary General appreciated the Chinese for their role in infrastructure development in the EAC Partner States and specifically for their support to the Secretariat.
On his part, the Chinese Ambassador Extra-ordinary and Plenipotentiary to Tanzania, commended the Secretariat for the role it is playing in promoting regional cooperation and integration.
A two-weeks regional Military Command Post Training Exercise codenamed Ushirikiano Imara 2015 concluded today at Kenya’s Humanitarian Peace Support School, in Embakasi, Nairobi.
More than 250 members of the armed forces, police and civilian components from the EAC Partner States took part in the joint command post exercise meant to practice participants in the planning and conduct of peace support operations, counter terrorism, counter piracy, media and disaster management.
The exercise was also meant to improve the capabilities to combat complex security challenges and sought to harmonise the working relationships and improve military interoperability between the EAC Partner States’ Armed Forces.
In his address to the participants and invited guests at the closing ceremony, Kenya’s Defence Principal Secretary, Amb. Peter Kaberia commended the EAC Secretariat for organising military activities within the framework of the EAC Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs, among them the Command Post Exercises.
At the same occasion, Lt General Joseph Kasaon, the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces noted that training was an important aspect in the military and it was a major pre-occupation in peacetime.
Lt Gen. Kasaon, who was representing the Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Samson Mwathethe, said “the exercise came at a time when the region and indeed the continent was facing diverse challenges both military and ideological emanating from the changing nature of our society”, adding that ‘”the Northern part of Africa and the Horn are struggling with violet extremism that threatens to spread southwards and therefore we in the EAC are the buffer for the rest of Africa and must therefore stand together to ensure that peace and security prevails”.
The Vice Chief of the Defence Forces asserted that the modern day soldier was constantly confronted with a faceless and borderless enemy and therefore the need to have a concerted approach against the enemy and to remain steadfast in joint preparations to face the current and future challenges to the region.
On behalf of the Secretary General of East African Community, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, the Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr Charles Njoroge reiterated that it was a great inspiration to the people of East Africa to see members of the Armed Forces together with the Police and civilians gathered under the auspices of the Community participating in the Military Command Post Exercise.
“This is a living testimony that EAC integration is moving towards greater heights and the event offered concrete hope and prospects for future integration and progress for the people of East Africa”.
He said the EAC Co-operation in Defence offers great scope and prospects for the consolidation of East African regional integration and development process. “It emphasises that we need unity, peace, stability and strength to defend our common interests”.
During the two-weeks exercise, several guests visited and shared with the Contigents on peace and security as a prerequisite for regional integration and development process, including Hon. Dr Augustine Philip Mahiga, the Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs, East Africa, Regional and International Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Kenya’s Defence Cabinet Secretary, Amb. Dr Raychelle Awuor Omamo graced the opening ceremony on 24th March 2016. Both the opening and closing ceremonies of the exercise were graced by Uganda’s 3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of EAC Affairs, Rt Hon. Dr Ali Haji Kirunda Kivejinja, Ministers, Ambassadors, regional top military officers, and the media.
The 4th High-Level Dialogue of the EAC Partnership Fund was held on Wednesday, March 25, 2016 in Dar es Salaam Tanzania. The dialogue was attended by Heads of Diplomatic missions accredited to the EAC and also members the EAC Partnership Fund.
The dialogue was co-chaired by the Norwegian Ambassador, H.E. Hanne Kaarstad and the EAC Secretary General Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera.
Addressing the Heads of Diplomatic missions, the Secretary General of the East African Community Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera expressed his appreciation for the support he has received from the development partners and noted that for the EAC Partnership Fund was more than monetary support. “The Partnership Fund is a forum for dialogue, creates avenues for discussing key integration issues and mobilizing political support for EAC regional integration”, added Dr Sezibera.
The EAC Secretary General noted the positive growth of the fund since 2011, and called on Development Partners to honour their pledges through actualizing pending disbursements which currently stand at 24% for the financial year 2015/16.
Dr. Sezibera underscored the importance of the basket fund to the EAC, noting the significant support the Partnership Fund has given to the EAC including: financial support to the Implementation of the Customs Union and Common Market Protocols; Private Sector development; finalization of the One-Stop Border Post regulations; negotiations and finalization of the EAC Monetary Union Protocol; institutional strengthening including the EAC Institutional Review; enhancing public awareness of the EAC; and development of EAC Vision 2050 among many other projects that have been completed or currently ongoing.
The Secretary General further disclosed to the Heads of the Diplomatic missions that the use of Video-Conferencing facilities at EAC has significantly reduced the need for physical meetings by one third, resulting in huge cost savings.
The EAC Chief called upon Trademark East Africa to join the Partnership Fund in order to better synchronize prioritization of EAC integration projects. Dr. Sezibera urged the Development Partners to provide technical and financial support to South Sudan being a young country joining the EAC.
In her welcome remarks, Amb. Kaarstad, on behalf of the Development Partners thanked the outgoing EAC Secretary General for the constructive cooperation and tirelessly promoting the work of the EAC as established in the Treaty and protocols.
“The large turnout this afternoon is a testament to a strong and continued interest in the EAC’s role and in the regional integration processes”, said Amb Kaarstad.
Amb. Kaarstad further emphasized, “the accomplishments of the Secretary General span all pillars of the EAC integration. The benefits of easier movement of people, goods, services and capital are the results. The EAC has under Dr Sezibera progressed in eliminating Non-Tariff Barriers, harmonizing common and external tariffs as well as standards and quality”.
Amb. Kaarstad noted that although the Development Partners account for 43% of final budget at the EAC, a small portion of this goes through the Partnership Fund.
Founding Father of the Republic of Zambia, Dr Kenneth David Kaunda wants the continent to strengthen regional integration and keep tabs on Pan-Africanism to stimulate progress and development.
The former President of the Republic of Zambia has maintained there is real hope for the continent with the young people at the helm, saying success is assured if they continued in their quest to build Africa.
H.E. Kenneth Kaunda made the remarks when he met the EALA Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel Kidega who paid a courtesy call at the Office of the Former President in Lusaka, Zambia.
The former President urged African leaders not to betray the fathers of the independence in the continent.
“When I see progress in Africa, I feel happy that we continue to adhere to the solid foundation laid by Their Excellencies, Milton Obote, Julius Kambarage Nyerere and Jomo Kenyatta among others,” he added.
The EALA Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega assured Dr Kaunda that the integration process was very much on track. He briefed the former President of the progress realised so far at the EAC in general and the EALA in particular.
He remarked that the Founding Fathers of the EAC had envisaged a strong bloc of the Partner States. He said that the region had continued to intensely benefit from integration and that the bloc was today bigger.
“Your Excellency, the region today boasts of a stronger GDP and now has six countries. The Republic of South Sudan just joined the EAC at the recent 17th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State. They now join the Republics of Burundi and Rwanda as well as the three original Partner States in strengthening the bloc,” the Speaker said.
He further remarked that African democracies were progressing although the path was not necessarily smooth.
In attendance were EALA Member, Hon. Makongoro Nyerere and Senior Public Relations Officer, Bobi Odiko.
H.E. Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, fondly known as KK in Zambia, served as the first President of Zambia, from 1964 to 1991. Hitherto, Dr Kaunda was a leading figure in his country's independence movement.
While in power he hosted many of the movements fighting for independence or black equality in other countries around the region, including South Africa's African National Congress.
After ceding power in the first multi-party elections in 1991, H.E. Dr Kaunda regained stature as one of Africa's political giants, helping mediate crises in Zimbabwe and Kenya.
Dr Kaunda was also a campaigner in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
The EALA Speaker Rt Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega held respective bilateral meetings with the Speaker of the Parliament of South Sudan, Rt Hon. Magok Rundial and the Speaker of the Burundi National Assembly, Rt Hon. Pascal Nyabenda on the side-lines of the on-going 134th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Lusaka, Zambia. The meetings discussed on matters of mutual interest between EALA and the respective Parliaments in particular and on regional integration in general.
In his meeting with the Speaker of the Parliament of South Sudan, Rt Hon. Magok Rundial, the Speaker said EALA welcomed the expansion of bloc and said plans were underway to build the capacity of the Parliament ahead of the accession to the Treaty.
“While we appreciate the steps been taken by the Republic of South Sudan to sign the accession Treaty, we want to meet with legislators of South Sudan soon so that the Members are fully briefed”, Speaker Kidega remarked.
He said EALA had previously enjoyed cordial relations with the Parliament of the Republic of South Sudan and added the admission of the new Partner State to the bloc would further cement the goodwill.
“We are looking forward to the increased number of Members of EALA from South Sudan and in this regard, therefore, we welcome consultations and engagements”, he added.
On his part, the Speaker of the Parliament of South Sudan, Rt Hon. Magok Rundial said his country was elated to be part of the EAC family.
“In accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, there is a legal procedure of bringing the accession before the National Assembly. This is going to take place, and upon approval of the House, the President shall then write the letter of accession,” he said.
At the 17th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State held in Arusha early this month, the Summit designated the Chairperson, H.E. Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli to sign the accession with the Republic of South Sudan.
It is expected that the Parliament of South Sudan shall thereafter elect nine Members under Article 50 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC and the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament (South Sudan) to EALA.
According to Article 50, the Members must not be Sitting Members of Parliament of South Sudan and shall in as much as is feasible, represent the various political parties in the National Assembly, shades of opinion and special interest groups in the Partner State.
In his earlier meeting with the Speaker of the Burundi National Assembly, Rt Hon. Kidega said EALA continued to appeal for peace to prevail in the country and urged legislators in Burundi as the peoples’ representatives, to strive for stability. He remarked that EALA was appreciative of the role of the Summit of EAC Heads of State, adding that home-grown solutions were instrumental in ensuring stability in the country and in the region.
The EALA Speaker briefed his counterpart from the Burundi National Assembly on EALA’s recent debate on the petition brought before the House by regional civil society groups under the aegis of the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU).
He rooted for dialogue as key in resolving the issues in the country so that it may tackle some of the existing challenges such as poverty.
Rt Hon. Kidega further termed the recent appointment of Liberat Mfumukeko, an East African of Burundian origin as the new Secretary General of the East African Community, as a vote of confidence by the Summit of the EAC Heads of State.
He remarked that a visit to Burundi by Members of the Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution Committee and himself (EALA Speaker) would take place shortly.
In his response, the Speaker of the Parliament of Burundi, Rt Hon. Pascal Nyabenda stated that his Parliament was keen to see progress in the country.
In the delegation was the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Niyonzima Anicet, Hon. Niyonzima Constantin, Hon. Nizigiyimana Benoite, Hon. Asha Karafan, Hon. Ruhuna Venant and Hon. Irakoze Lydia.
The IPU which is themed: “Rejuvenating Democracy: Giving Voice to the Youth,” is expected to end later today.
A new report released at the Assembly dubbed “Youth participation in national Parliaments 2016”, states that youth continue to be chronically under-represented in the world’s Parliaments at a time when the global youth population is the largest it has ever been in history.
According to the report, only 1.9% of the world’s 45,000 Parliamentarians are aged below 30, a fact it deems undesirable.
In his recent remarks, the EALA Speaker pushed for youth engagement in politics in line with the African Youth Charter.
“Youth make up about 60% of the world’s population but unfortunately, disparity in representation in Parliaments is extremely undesirable”, the EALA Speaker was quoted as saying.
The EAC Secretary General Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera participated at the 27th Crans Montana Forum held in Dakhla, Morocco under the high patronage of his Majesty, the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI.
The four-day Forum, which concluded yesterday, was officially opened by the King of Morocco who called out to Africa to regain its right both in history and geography to become a key partner in international cooperation mechanisms and driver of progress in cooperation.
King Mohammed VI stressed the need to build south-south cooperation that is based on potential, skills and expertise of all stakeholders that will result in a homogeneous strategic vision designed to promote the development of states and meet the needs of the African population. “South-south cooperation seeks to implement concrete programs in targeted areas to achieve measurable outcomes in terms of growth and well-being of the population in economic, social, cultural and environmental domains”, said the King.
Dr. Sezibera while making his presentation on Public Health, a common issue for all, discussed the need for Africa to learn from the Ebola crisis; that managing epidemics requires a strong regional cooperation and building interconnected laboratories. The Secretary General further emphasized that the lessons learned from the Ebola epidemic demonstrated that health security is not an issue to be left purely to health workers.
“Investment in health systems, regional cooperation, building one-stop health centers, and a multi sectoral approach will be key drivers of success in managing emerging epidemics”, said Dr. Sezibera.
Rev. Jesse Jackson a renowned civil rights activist from USA led the forum in awarding over 40 ‘New Leaders for Tomorrow’; men and women younger than 42 years of age who have demonstrated extraordinary potential in leadership through professional success and community services in their home countries. The forum was attended by over 1,000 foreign dignitaries, drawn from over 130 countries worldwide, who discussed matters pertaining to the environment, energy, food security, and ethics in governance, among others that affect Africa.
The EALA Speaker Rt Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega is calling for the full participation of the youth in all spheres of society including in Parliament and other decision making bodies. The Speaker further wants a paradigm shift in the rejuvenation of democracy to one that is driven by a change agenda that is youth friendly.
Rt Hon. Kidega was speaking while addressing the 134th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly which commenced here in Lusaka on March 20th, 2016. The IPU Assembly which is attended by over 600 Parliamentarians and close to 75 Speakers from the globe is themed: “Rejuvenating Democracy: Giving Voice to the Youth”.
The EALA Speaker remarked that the waning interest in formal politics by the youth was resultant from a number of factors citing dissatisfaction with politicians together with lack of trust in initiatives by Governments as strong barriers to the participation of the young persons.
The Speaker informed the IPU Assembly that Parliaments needed to take on a new advocacy role towards ensuring democracy is realised as a basic minimum.
“Parliaments and political parties should ensure democracy thrives right from the very basic levels of administration. If democracy is rejuvenated, young people are more likely to fortify their full participation and to contribute to development”, Speaker Kidega said.
“The idea to create slots for youth in Parliaments is also very welcome. Youth make up about 60% of the world’s population but unfortunately, disparity in representation in Parliaments is extremely undesirable”, he added.
Rt Hon. Kidega further urged youth to be fully involved in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) saying they were best placed to contribute to the delivery of the new generation ideas.
EALA’s delegation to the IPU consists of Hon. Makongoro Nyerere, Clerk to the Assembly, Kenneth Madete and senior staff.
Zambia’s Head of State, H.E. President Edgar Lungu opened the 134th IPU Assembly. In his address, the President challenged youths to contest for positions at the forthcoming general elections in Zambia on August 11, 2016 and subsequently, to actively participate in decision-making processes and other programmes of development.
“I am urging youths to aspire for Parliamentary and local Government elections. Therefore, in implementing the National Youth Policy with our partners, we want to promote the inclusion and active participation of youths in decision-making processes, policy development, programming and project implementation, as outlined in the policy,” he said.
President Lungu also reaffirmed the need to invest in youths as it was a worthwhile endeavour because of their potential to contribute to the country’s development.
He said the Government had established the National Youth Development Council which was a principal advisor to Government on youth matters.
At the IPU, a new report dubbed “Youth participation in national Parliaments 2016”, states that youth continue to be chronically under-represented in the world’s Parliaments at a time when the global youth population is the largest it has ever been in history.
According to the report, only 1.9 per cent of the world’s 45,000 Parliamentarians are aged below 30, a fact it deems undesirable.
Meanwhile, the IPU has welcomed back Comoros, Egypt and Guyana as Members of the Organisation. Their admission has increased the IPU membership to 170, marking a significant step forward in the Organisation’s goal to achieve universal membership according to the President of the IPU, Hon. Saber Chowdhury.
Parliamentary elections in Egypt at the end of 2015 had paved the way for the country to rejoin IPU. The 2011 revolution, which led to the dissolution of Parliament the following year, had left Egypt’s membership in abeyance. Egypt, which had first joined IPU in 1924, had been one of IPU’s oldest continuous Members.
The 5th Meeting of the 4th Session of the 3rd Assembly concluded in Dar es Salaam, on Thursday, March 17th, 2016.
The Assembly granted leave to Hon. Dora Byamukama to introduce a Bill on the EAC Counter Trafficking in Persons Bill, 2016. It also adjourned debate on the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2016.
The object of the EAC Counter-Trafficking in Persons Bill, 2016, is to provide a legal framework, develop common measures, strategies and programmes to the prevention of trafficking in persons and the perpetrators of such actions. It also aims to develop partnerships for co-operation in counter trafficking in persons and provision of protection mechanisms and services for persons.
The mover says the Bill is premised on Article 6 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC which underscores good governance including adherence to the principles of democracy, the rule of law, accountability and transparency. Article 7(2) of the Treaty further obliges the Partner States to abide by universally acceptable standards of human rights in particular the Universal Declaration of Human rights 1948.
According to Hon. Byamukama, operationalisation of the Protocol to prevent, supress and punish trafficking in persons especially women and children and supplementing the UN Convention against transnational organised crime to which all EAC Partner States are signatory to are key and thus obliged to adopt principles of the protocol by enacting relevant legislation.
On its part, the debate on the EAC Supplementary Budget 2016 was adjourned until the next Sitting. The adjournment is to allow the Committee on General Purpose to further consult on its Report on the EAC Supplementary Budget for the Financial Year 2015/16 and the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2016. The move followed a Motion moved by the Chair of the Council of Ministers, Hon. Dr Susan A. Kolimba.
