EAC EXPERTS TO POLISH PLAN FOR EMPOWERING BORDER COMMUNITIEE

Experts from the East African Community meet next week in Bujumbura, Burundi to discuss plans to empower border communities through the modernization of locally shared markets.

The 18 to 20 March 2013 meeting organized in collaboration with the African Trade Policy Centre (APTC), will take place at Hotel Safari Gate and is a follow-up on the 1^st Meeting of Experts in Kigali, Rwanda held June 2011 where a proposal for a project entitled “Empowering Border Communities through Modernization of Shared Markets” was considered.

The Kigali meeting recommended, among others, construction of shared markets, storage facilities, improving water and sanitation and building feeder and access roads for border communities. Border communities all over east Africa would also benefit from electrification, health care centers, garbage collection posts and police posts once the project gets off the ground.

Next week’s meeting in Bujumbura is expected to consider and finalize the detailed draft project report; recommend locations/sites in the five Partner States where the proposed project facilities will be set up; and agree on a roadmap for mobilizing resources for implementation of the project by June 2014.

The 18-20 March experts’ meeting will then recommend to the Sectoral Council on Gender, Youth, Children, Social Protection and Community Development to adopt the project.

In order to facilitate realisation of the Treaty, the EAC has put in place institutional and policy frameworks which include, among others, the establishment of the Common Market, the 4^th EAC Development Strategy (2011/201-2015/2016), the proposed EAC Social Development Framework, the gender and community development framework and its five year operational plan which include gender, youth, children persons with disabilities, social protection and community development.

The 1^st Meeting of Experts noted that border communities within the EAC Partner States are faced with many challenges and therefore agreed that the aforementioned challenges be shared within all Partner States and may be addressed through outlined strategies. The meeting made recommendations regarding the development of border markets.

 

EAC-USAID/EAST AFRICA ACTIVITIES REVIEW MEETING CONCLUDES IN ARUSHA

A two-day EAC-USAID East Africa activities review meeting concluded 12 March 2013 at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.

The USAID/East Africa Mission Director based in Nairobi, Kenya, Dr. Jeffrey Ashley led a team of Heads of Units/Advisors in regional economic growth and integration, Agriculture, Environment, Climate change, Health, Energy, Monitoring and Evaluation.

 Among others is to review activities in the respective fields and get updates on the 2013 work plans with their counterparts at the EAC Secretariat led by Dr. James Njagu, the Principal Resource Mobilization Officer.

The USAID Team paid a courtesy call on the Secretary General of the East African Community Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera, during which the Secretary General commended the partnership between EAC and the US government through USAID. Amb. Sezibera hailed the willingness President Obama’s administration to up-scale its engagement with the EAC as a region.

The Secretary General urged the USAID-EAC Teams to focus on results as they review and plan for activities. “You need to plan, measure and communicate results better” urged Amb. Sezibera, adding that there is need to engage in those activities where we can show results to the people of East Africa. We need to show that the integration process is working to the people of this region.

The Secretary General also implored USAID to consider supporting the EAC in infrastructure development especially in rails, ports and harbours as well as the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO)- the regional organization under the East African Community responsible for coordinating and managing fisheries resources of Lake Victoria.

 Secretary General of East African Community Dr. Richard Sezibera (Center) with the delegation of USAID and EAC officials

JUDICIAL OFFICERS IN BURUNDI GET TRAINING ON EAC INTEGRATION

Judicial officers in Burundi are this week getting trained on the role of the Judiciary in the EAC integration process.

The 11-13 March training at Sun Safari Club in Bujumbura, Burundi, aims to develop and increase knowledge of judicial officers from Partner States on the role of the Judiciary in EAC integration processes and effectively build their participatory capacity therein.

Addressing the judicial officers at the training Ambassador Jean Rigi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of East African Community Affairs in Burundi said development of the Judiciary is the basis of a socio-economic development of any society.

“No country can pretend to achieve sustainable development if it does not have a fair judicial system" Amb Rigi asserted.

He said the training would be a tool that would offer an opportunity for all the stakeholders to play an active role in the promotion of the Judiciary and its vital role in the EAC integration on one hand; and to participate in the development of the East African Community, on the other.

On his part the Counsel to the Community Hon. Wilbert Kaahwa said the training provides a perfect opportunity to understand the stages of EAC integration, the current status and the role of the East African Court of Justice and the national judiciaries in the integration processes.

The EAC official urged the judicial officers to use the forum to devise innovations that would promote efficiency and effectiveness in the judicial systems of the Partner States.

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EAC SECRETARY GENERAL CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT-ELECT UHURU KENYATTA

The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera has congratulated His Excellency Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, President-Elect of the Republic of Kenya upon his election victory.

In a congratulatory message dispatched earlier today, Amb. Sezibera says “It is with great joy and pride that, on behalf of the East African Community, and on my own behalf, I extend to you my warm congratulations on your election as the 4th President of the Republic of Kenya”.

The Secretary General extended his congratulations to the people of Kenya for peacefully exercising their sovereign and democratic right to elect their leaders.

“The choice they have made is a tribute to their courage, as well as their determination to safeguard their dignity and keep Kenya firmly on the road to development. We salute the people of Kenya for designing and investing in institutions that promote the peaceful expression of a vibrant democracy”.

“The East African Community, including its Organs and Institutions pledge their continued support and look forward to working with you to widen and deepen East African integration,” Amb. Sezibera concluded. 

 

Uhuru Kenyatta, the son of Kenya's founding leader, won the presidential election

GLOBAL COMMUNITY WELCOMED TO EAST AFRICA

"A Secure and Safe Destination of Wonders and Opportunities"

Uganda’s Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Maria Mutagamba today invited the global community to East Africa declaring it “a secure and safe destination of wonders and oportunities". She said this during the EAC Joint Event at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB) in Berlin, Germany.

As the East African region operationalizes the Common Market Protocol to better facilitate the free movement of people, skills, goods and services, Hon. Mutagamba noted the protocol marks a milestone that will enhance the hospitality and travel industry. 

“One great milestone that will enhance trade and movement of goods and services especially favoured in the hospitality and travel industry is the removal of non-tariff barriers and enhancing a free trade area”, she said. “Furthermore, the East African region seeks to introduce a single tourist visa and a single currency under a monetary union,” she added.

Hon. Mutagamba affirmed that the region was working towards  harmornizing hospitality services and policies, aimed at better cooperation and sustainable utilization of the region’s resources. 

“Harmonisation of hospitality services includes a focus on quality and not quantity, whereas, the harmonization of policies and laws will develop mechanisms on the movement of people and skills in the vibrant industry to ensure that the standards of quality in hospitality are met and the promotion of a Single Tourist Destination is achieved” she said.

With regard to safety and security in the region and taking note of the recent terrorist attacks in parts of the Community, Hon Mutagamba assured the world that Ministers responsible for tourism in East Africa have agreed that Partner States should fully address the negative image portrayed and subsequent negative travel advisories issued. 

“We will employ a positive outlook on the regional approach taken to combat these challenges about the East African tourism destinations. 

'The Tourism Trade Associations are urged to ensure continuous dialogue with all Commonwealth member countires and to advice Commonwealth member countires to notify the EAC Secretariat before publishing any travel warnings,” she reiterated.

In her remarks, EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Jesca Eriyo highlighted some key milestones and developments in the Tourism and Wildlife sectors in the last few years. “These achievements are  for you to grasp the opportunities and tasks that lie ahead of us which are being explored and implemented in order to sustainably utilize our resources as a region,” she said.

Hon. Eriyo highlighted that the East African region is endowed with a lion's share of the new 7 Wonders of Africa. Among the wonders; East Africa is home to: (i) Mount Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa with 5895 metres above sea level and the largest free standing mountain in the world; (ii) the Serengeti Migration, the longest and largest overland migration in the world. 

The Serengeti spans over 18,640 square miles; (iii) the Nile River is the longest river in the world stretching 4,132 miles (6,650 km) which traverses across a number of countries has its source in the Region; (iv) lastly, the region boasts the largest unbroken caldera in the world, the Ngorongoro Crater.  Measuring 12 miles across, this "Garden of Eden" is home to over 30,000 animals including the rare black rhino.

“Furthermore, the EAC region is home to rare and endemic species of primates, climbing lions and more. In addition, Mt. Kenya, Mt Ruwenzori with snow on their peaks and beautiful ranges, crater lakes and natural hot springs. It is no wonder, that the people of the Community are vibrant, enthusiastic and happy when surrounded by all this beauty!” she concluded.

The EAC Joint Event, this year hosted by Uganda, aimed at bringing the EAC Partner States together to further spearhead the EAC regional agenda. The event was attended by Hon. Victoire Ndikumana, Minister, Ministry of Trade, Industry, Posts and Tourism, Republic of Burundi; Permanent Secretaries  of Natural Resources, Tourism and Wildlife from the EAC Partner States, Ambassadors of East African Missions in Germany, Heads of Tourism Boards from the EAC Partner States among other invited guests.

The EAC Council of Ministers in 2006 directed the EAC Secretariat to promote the region as a single destination by participating in international tourisim trade fairs. To the end the EAC Secretariat has been organising such joint events at World Travel Market (WTM) in London and Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB) in Berlin since 2007. 

DANISH PRIME MINISTER VISITS EAC

The Danish Prime Minister Hon. Helle Thorning-Schmidt today visited the EAC headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.

The Danish Premier held talks with the Secretary General of the EAC Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera covering a variety of subjects, including implementation of the Customs Union and the Common Market protocols; negotiations for the Monetary Union protocol; EU-EAC Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and potential for renewable energy in the region, among others.

Amb. Sezibera, while welcoming Hon. Helle Thorning-Schmidt, described Denmark as “an excellent friend of the Community” which he said was growing with a functional Customs Union and a fledgling Common Market already in place, while a Monetary Union protocol is being negotiated.

“There is a sense of urgency among all of us,” the Secretary General said in affirmation of the EAC’s commitment to speeding up the integration process, expected to culminate in a Political Federation.

He informed his guest the priorities would be moving the bloc from a Customs Union to a Single Customs Territory; implementation of the Common Market; infrastructure development; implementation of the EAC Industrialization Policy; and multi-stakeholder involvement, including the private sector, civil society, women and youth.

On the Single Customs Territory, Amb. Sezibera was optimistic the EAC would be recording positive results soon.

“I expect that this year we shall reach agreement on this. That’s the priority,” he said, adding that the Single Customs Territory would significantly collapse inter-state customs borders, thereby leading to a reduction in barriers to trade in the region.

On the Common Market, the Secretary General said he looked forward to the full implementation of Common Market provisions on free movement of persons and workers, notably by harmonizing the education systems and requirements for work permits in the case of the latter. He noted that the bloc was in the process of developing a Common Market scorecard to track implementation as well as a legally binding mechanism to curtail non tariff barriers.

Amb. Sezibera also said he looked forward to the EAC collaborating with Denmark to tap the bloc’s renewable energy potential.

“This is an area of emphasis for us,” the Secretary General stated. “We want to grow and we want to grow green”. He added that renewable energy was a critical component of the region’s bid to industrialize, noting that the bloc’s energy production levels were far from adequate to if it were to realize the target of 40% contribution to Gross Domestic Product by the manufacturing sector.

He admitted, however, that the challenge for the EAC is that this is a new area and therefore one in which Denmark could provide lessons.

The Danish Prime Minister Hon. Helle Thorning-Schmidt meanwhile affirmed Denmark was “a very strong supporter of regional integration” and said her country had benefited immensely from its membership to the European Union (EU).

Hon. Thorning-Schmidt encouraged the EAC to conclude a deal with the EU on the EPAs which she said would be of benefit to both parties and “will help integrate the region into the global market.”

She asserted her country was a strong supporter of the EPAs.

Also in attendance were Dr. Mary Nagu, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office for Investment and Empowerment; EAC Deputy Secretaries General Dr. Enos Bukuku and Mr. Jean Claude Nsengiyumva; Counsel to the Community Hon. Wilbert Kaahwa; as well as Denmark’s Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania and the to the EAC—H.E. Johnny Flentø, among others.

 Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera (L) and Hon. Thorning-Schmidt (R) during the meeting

SECRETARY GENERAL MOURNS KATEGYA

Says the late was a passionate Advocate of Regional Integration Agenda and a committed Pan Africanist

The Secretary General of the East African Community Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera has joined Ugandans and the region to mourn the death of Uganda’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs of the Republic of Uganda Rt. Hon. Eriya Kategaya that occurred on 2 March 2013 at the Nairobi Hospital.

In a condolence message sent to State House, Kampala this morning, Amb. Sezibera describes the late Eriya Kategaya as an excelled public servant who always carried himself with great dignity and humility and served the cause of Uganda with the same zeal with which he championed the cause of East African unity and development.

“He was one of the major pillars in the democratic process of Uganda and very instrumental in the revival of the East African Community in 1996, the signing of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community in 1999, which entered into force in 2000; and it’s launch in 2001” notes Amb. Sezibera.

The Secretary General recalls, in particular, the late Kategaya’s immense role in the negotiations of the Protocols on the Establishment of the East African Customs Union and the Common Market. “He brought his sharp legal mind to bear on the direction of the negotiations and also while chairing the EAC Council of Ministers during Uganda’s tenures. His contributions were always inspired by a sense of justice and fairness in the determination of the issues of the Community”, asserts the EAC official.  

He also recalls his immense contributions and articulation of issues pertaining to the regional integration and development process on the floor of the East African Legislative Assembly. 

The Secretary General says the late Kategaya was truly an East African and was a passionate advocate of the regional integration agenda and a committed Pan Africanist. “He always urged the Council of Ministers, as well as the regional Legislators, to look at issues from the regional perspective. Indeed, the late was a well-known figure and politician, not only in all the five Partner States, but also within the continent”.

“The late Kategaya was like an elder to the Council of Ministers. Whenever there were deadlocks in the negotiations or meetings, the Council of Ministers would always refer to the late for guidance. And he would always guide his fellow Ministers at such occasions in an impartial manner, at the same time he would strongly urge the five Partner States to move together as a bloc in the integration process” Amb. Sezibera mourns.

“Indeed, he was the current Chair of the EAC Council of Ministers. We mourn the passing of a great son of Uganda and a towering figure of our time who has left an indelible imprint on the modern history of Uganda and the East African region.

Uganda and the Community shall remain indebted to him for his dedicated service in various capacities. His life and his legacy bear witness to his love for his country and the EAC”.

 

 The late 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of The East African Community Affairs of the Republic of Uganda.

Chief Justice of Burundi officially opens EAC Bujumbura Sub-registry

The East African Court of Justice officially launched its last Sub-registry in Bujumbura, Burundi Friday 1 March 2013. The Chief Justice of the Republic of Burundi His Lordship Emmanuel Jenje, who was the Chief Guest, pledged that the Burundi judiciary and government will consistently support EACJ to raise its awareness to promote the integration agenda for mutual benefit of their people.

Hon. Jenje said that, Burundi judicially has always relentlessly offered cooperation to the East African Court of Justice and pointed out the two judges who serve at EACJ while serving at the National Court namely Hon Mr. Justice Laurent Nzosaba EACJ Appellate Division and Hon. 

Mr. Justice Jean Bosco Butasi who serves at the First Instance Division of the Court.” We have never hesitated to release them whenever the need for serving interests of the East African Court of Justice has rise” The Chief Justice asserted.

The Chief Justice expressed his great pleasure to officiate the important occasion of launching the East African Court of Justice Sub-Registry and called upon EACJ and other agencies and institution to sustain this cooperation which will embrace many areas of interest such as training programs for judge and judicial officers which will in particular administer Community laws as EAC Integration deepens.

His Lordship Jenje noted that the Sub-registry will help Burundians who wish to file cases with the East African Court to do so without the various challenges associated with filing cases in another country.  It will no longer just be hearing about ‘‘The Arusha Court’’,they will start actually seeing their “East African Community Court” among them.

The Minister in the Office of the Presidency in charge of EAC Affairs of the Republic of Burundi Hon. Leontine Nzeyimana commended the decision of the EAC Council of Ministers to allow the Court to open the Sub-registries in the Partner States. 

The Council of Ministers took this decision mindful of the fact that our Citizens today demand; that we deliver justice that they deserve; the one that is accessible, affordable, impartial and qualitative. The hope of the Council and the entire Community Is that these Sub-registries will contribute to the noble goals.” noted Hon. Nzeyimana noted.

 She added that the sub-registry will assist those who feel aggrieved by laws or decisions that seem to violate the East African Community Treaty and hence undermine the goals and objectives of integration, and who wish to have a determination of the EACJ and hopefully a remedial decision of the Court.

Hon. Nzeyimana underscored that to have Sub-registries within the Member States is even greater because the role of the regional Court is expanding in response to the Community becoming more People centered and market driven. The operationlization of Common Market Protocol will certainly create more demand of for Judicial Services within the Member States hence the Sub-registries shall cater to a bigger workload enabling the EACJ to function efficiently and effectively.

EACJ Judge President Hon. Harold Nsekela also informed the delegates that several milestones in the Court and development process were been achieved and the Court expect to see and realize more tangible benefits of the integration to our people in the coming years. He also told the Burundi residents that the Court has abolished the Court fees and it’s in the process of gazetting the rules.

Hon. Nsekela also reminded the natural and legal person who come to the Court under Article 30 of the Treaty to respect the time limitation of two months imposed for the aggrieved person have known the act.

The ceremony was witnessed among others the President of the Constitutional Court of Burundi, Hon. Lady Justice Christine Nzeyimana, Judges, and Members of EALA Burundi Chapter, Members of the Legal institutions, Media and other stake holders.

  

Chief Justice His Lordship Emmanuel Jenje (R) EACJ Judge President Hon. Mr. Harold Nsekela (C) and EACJ Deputy Registrar Ms. Geraldine Umugwaneza (L) open Sub-registry in Bujumbura Burundi.

KENYA’S CHIEF JUSTICE ASSURES EAC-COMESA-IGAD ELECTION OBSERVERS OF JUDICIARY’S PREPAREDNESS FOR ANY POST ELECTION PETITIONS IN NON-PARTISAN MANNER

Kenya’s Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga has assured the East African Community (EAC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and Inter-Governmental Authority in Development (IGAD) Election Observer Missions to the 4^th March 2013 Kenya General Elections that the judiciary was ready and well prepared to handle the forthcoming elections including related disputes that may arise.

The Chief Justice, who was this morning meeting the leaders of EAC-COMESA-IGAD Election Observer Missions; Hon. Abdulrahman Kinana; Amb. Simbi Veke Mubako; and Amb. Dr. Berhane Ghebray respectively, in his office in Nairobi, said the Judiciary would deal with election disputes impartially and efficiently and that 114 judges and 436 magistrates would handle any disputes that may arise, to ensure that petitions are heard and determined in a speedy manner.

“We are fully prepared and organized to deal with any number and manner of disputes that may arise from these elections in an independent, non-partisan, and efficient way,” he said. The Chief Justice said that the judiciary was above any form of bias and that they would uphold the spirit of the Constitution to the letter.

“These elections will usher in a new governance structure not experienced before by Kenyans. It is, therefore, a time for our national institutions, beginning with the Judiciary, but encompassing the Executive, to work in harmony to ensure elections are fair and credible,” he said.

Dr. Mutunga informed his guests that it was very calming to see a lot of foreign and local observers following the Kenya elections. “I have never seen such an election in the country with huge investment and goodwill purposely to ensure it (election) is free, fair and peaceful” asserted the Chief Justice. 

The leaders of the Observer Missions hailed the Chief Justice for the well preparedness of the Judiciary. “We are happy with the arrangements and all points to the direction that you are on top of things” concurred all the three Heads of Missions.

On Thursday 28 February, 2013, the joint missions had audience with the Kenya Inspector General of Police Mr. David Kimaiyo; Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Public Service, Mr. Francis T. Kimemia; Chairman of National Cohesion and Integration Commission, Mr. Mzalendo N. Kibunjia; and a Presidential aspirant, Ms Martha Karua. The discussions centered on the elections and related issues. The meetings largely welcomed the presence of the joint EAC-COMESA-IGAD missions’ presence at the polls.