EALA SET TO REVIEW RULES OF PROCEDURE TOMORROW
East African Legislative Assembly, Kigali, October 28, 2014: EALA is set to commence review of the Rules of Procedure tomorrow, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa has ruled this afternoon.
The ruling followed a Motion introduced by Hon Judith Pareno seeking to adjourn other business in the House until the review/amendment of the said Rules of Procedures are debated on as a matter of priority.
According to the mover of the Bill, Article 60 of the Treaty stipulates that the Assembly may make, amend, add to or revoke to the rules governing the Assembly. The motion, which was seconded by Hon Nancy Abisai further avers that the term of Commissioners of EALA ends on December 5, 2014 and that their election is neither provided for in the Administration of EALA Act nor in the Rules of Procedure.
The debate on amendments was interrupted on the 26th March 2014. Today, Hon Pareno moved that the debate resumes immediately and that it should be placed on the Order Paper as the 1st item on the agenda of the next business of the House.
Article 49 (2) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community provides that the Assembly shall make its Rules of Procedure and those of the Committees.
The move was preceded by a Motion moved by Hon Mike Sebalu that the East African Community Co-operative Societies Bill, 2014 be read for the second time. The object of Bill is to provide a legal framework for Co-operative Societies in line with Article 128 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC strengthening the role of private sector as an effective force for developing economies.
The Bill is divided into ten parts. Part 1 deals with preliminary matters which according to Hon Sebalu, lay down objectives of Co-operative Societies which include: solving problems collectively, co-ordinating knowledge and skills and promoting self-reliance amongst Members.
The rest of the areas contained in the Bill deal with the formation, rights and duties of Members and Privileges. The Bill further contains clauses whose content include the assets and liabilities, settlement of disputes and winding up/dissolution of Societies.
Zuma pulls out of South African graft inquiry
Former South African president Jacob Zuma on Friday withdrew from testifying to an inquiry into corruption under his rule, citing biased treatment and harsh questioning.
In the corruption scandal popularly referred to as "state capture", Zuma is accused of overseeing mass looting of state assets during his nine-year tenure.
"We are here today to say that we will take no further part in these proceedings," Zuma's lawyer Muzi Sikhakhane told the inquiry commission in Johannesburg.
"Our client from the beginning... has been treated as someone who was accused."
An agitated Sikhakhane said the inquiry had become "a political process," drawing loud clapping and cheering from Zuma loyalists in the public seats at the inquiry.
Zuma, who started testifying on Monday, had dismissed all accusations made against him by previous witnesses to the inquiry.
He was due to give a final day of evidence on Friday after the inquiry was adjourned on Wednesday when he complained that the questioning was effectively a court cross-examination.
Zuma was ousted by the ruling ANC party in 2018 and replaced by his deputy, Cyril Ramaphosa, who has vowed to clean up the government.
On the first day of his testimony, Zuma gave a rambling address saying he was the victim of conspiracies and years of "character assassination", and accusing foreign intelligence agencies and spies of working against him.
He also said he had received multiple death threats and attempts on his life.
The former president, 77, later replied to many questions at the inquiry by saying he did not remember or was unaware of meetings and conversations that other witnesses had mentioned.
Possible prosecutions
Zuma was not legally summonsed to attend the inquiry, but was invited to reply after being implicated in graft by several previous witnesses.
"I expected that he would cooperate, which he did by agreeing to come," said judge Raymond Zondo, who is chairing the inquiry.
"The first purpose was to give him an opportunity to tell his side of his story."
The inquiry is investigating a web of deals involving government officials, the wealthy Gupta business family and state-owned companies.
The Indian-born Gupta brothers -- Ajay, Atul and Rajesh -- have left South Africa and are now based in Dubai.
One witness, former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene testified that Zuma pushed policies on nuclear power and aviation that were designed to benefit the Gupta family.
"Mr Zuma and his legal team are in effect asking to be excused from the application of the rules," the inquiry's lead lawyer Paul Pretorius said.
"If the questions are detailed and if the questions and difficult... so be it.
Will latest peace deal end Russia-Ukraine conflict?
The Ukraine ceasefire deal agreed on Thursday appears little more than a sticking plaster that will allow Kiev and Ukraine rebels to wind down the fighting but leaves thorny questions on resolving the conflict unanswered, analysts said.
Some 16 hours of talks in the Belarussian capital Minsk -- which saw one reporter collapse with high blood pressure as negotiations continued through Wednesday night -- produced an agreement on a ceasefire to take effect from today and the withdrawal of troops.
The deal -- overseen by president Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Petro Poroshenko -- staves off an immediate threat of Washington beginning to supply weapons to Kiev but is no guarantee that fighting will not resume in the future, analysts said.
The agreement signed by Kiev and rebels left many of the trickiest issues unresolved: the depth of decentralisation, control of the Ukraine-Russia border and the size of the separatist regions to be given autonomy.
“It is unclear how a long-term solution will come out of today’s agreements,” Nikolai Petrov, a professor at the Moscow-based Higher School of Economics, told AFP.
“It is impossible to expect a serious long-term solution to this problem until it becomes clear how the political situation will develop in Kiev and what ties there will be between Russia and the West.”
Petrov compared the deal, agreed with the support of German chancellor Angela Merkel and French president Francois Hollande in Minsk, to an earlier truce accord that was agreed there in September which was widely flouted.
Arming debate in US
The deal at least “reduces the probability of the US and other Western countries supplying Ukraine with defensives weapons,” said chief economist Holger Schmieding of German bank Berenberg.
Observers have warned that if Washington gets involved militarily, a regional conflict that has claimed more than 5,300 lives could enter a dangerous new stage and become a proxy war between Russia and the West.
But Eugene Rumer, director of the Russia programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said the US debate about arming Kiev was unlikely to die down.
“The voices on the Hill in support of arming Ukraine are likely to grow louder and more assertive if as I fear...this agreement does not deliver on what everybody wants it to deliver on.”
Schmieding said that even if Moscow and rebels honour the agreement, the deal still allows them to overrun the strategic railway hub of Debaltseve. “Russia has the edge on the ground.”
Speaking after the talks, Putin -- who managed to leave without signing anything -- indicated that fighting near Debaltseve was a key sticking point in the negotiations.
The rebels have encircled up to 8,000 Ukrainians troops and expect them to lay down arms, he said. The Ukrainian army denied the claim.
Security analyst Pavel Felgenhauer said both sides could use a breathing space and in any case the fighting on the ground will become difficult during a spring thaw.
“It was impossible for rebels to advance further without Russia sharply ramping up its intervention and the use of aviation,” he told AFP.
“It’s not a good time to fight right now. It’s beginning to thaw.”
“Things will grind to a halt until the summer or later spring when the ground dries out -- then hostilities will resume and intensify.”
Analysts said that upcoming political and economic events both in Russia and Ukraine will serve as a bellwether indicating the conflict’s future direction.
Fragile equilibrium’
“It’s a very fragile equilibrium,” said Petrov. “It depends what happens first -- a large-scale political and economic crisis in Ukraine or whether Russia will weaken under Western sanctions and will face problems at home.”
Source: Daily Monitor
EALA SWEARS IN NEW TANZANIA MINISTER TO EAC
EALA SWEARS IN NEW TANZANIA MINISTER TO EAC
…Dr Mwakyembe was an elected Member of the First EALA in 2001-2005
East African Legislative Assembly, Arusha, Tanzania, January 28 2015: The United Republic of Tanzania’s new Minister for East African Cooperation, Hon Dr Harrison George Mwakyembe was this afternoon sworn-in as an Ex-Officio Member of EALA. The Oath of Allegiance to the House was administered by the Clerk of EALA, before the EALA Speaker, Rt. Hon Dan Kidega.
Hon Dr. Mwakyembe took the oath in accordance with Rule 6 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly. The Rules of Procedure say in part that: “No Member can sit or participate in the proceedings of the House until the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to the Treaty is taken”.
Rule 6(3) specifically states that “when a Member first attends to take his or her seat other than at the first sitting of a new House, he or she shall be brought to the table by two Members and presented by them to the Speaker who shall then administer the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance”.
The Minister was ushered into the House by Hon Shem Bageine, Minister for EAC, Republic of Uganda, Hon Dr. Nderakindo Kessy and Hon Nusura Tiperu.
Article 48 (1) (b) (1) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, requires the Minister responsible for East African Community Affairs from each Partner State to become an ex-Officio member of the East African Legislative Assembly.
Hon Dr Mwakyembe, was appointed Minister for EAC on January 24, 2015, following a Cabinet reshuffle by H.E. President Jakaya Kikwete. He swops places with the former EAC Minister, Hon Samuel Sitta who was moved to the Ministry of Transport.
Hon Dr. Mwakyembe is the Member of Parliament for Kyela Constituency since 2005. He was an elected member of EALA in the first Assembly (2001-2005) and chaired the Tanzania Chapter of EALA for two years between 2003 and 2005.
Hon Dr. Mwakyembe who holds a PhD. In law from the University of Hamburg has several years of political experience. He has been a Member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi for five years and also served as the party’s legal advisor in 2001. Hon Dr. Mwakyembe was a Commissioner of the Joint Presidential Supervisory Commission in Zanzibar in 2001-2005. He was formerly a Deputy Minister for Works in 2010-2012.
He has lectured in law at the University of Dar es Salaam and is a holder of a Masters’ degree in Law from the University of Dar es Salaam and a similar one from the University of Hamburg. Hon Dr Mwakyembe, an Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania, also holds a Post-Graduate certificate in Intellectual Property from the University of Turin, Italy. Dr Mwakyembe was once a media practitioner, and holds a Diploma in Journalism from the Tanzania School of Journalism.
The Minister has published widely and attended several symposia, seminars and conferences.
EALA has 45 elected Members and seven Ex-Officio Members. The Ex-Officio Members are the Ministers of EAC in the Partner States, the EAC Secretary General and the Counsel to the Community. The United Republic of Tanzania is the current Chair of the Council of Ministers, a post that Hon Dr. Mwakyembe assumes immediately.
Source: EAC Press
21ST PARTNERSHIP FUND STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN ARUSHA
21ST PARTNERSHIP FUND STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN ARUSHA
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 5 November, 2014: The 21st Partnership Fund Steering Committee Meeting was held yesterday at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. The meeting was attended by Developemnt Partners contributing to the EAC Partnership Fund. The EAC Partnership Fund is a basket fund mechanism with annual contributions from Development Partners (DPs) aimed at supporting the EAC projects and programmes that are geared towards regional integration. Norway is the current Chair of the Partnersghip Fund. In this context, the meeting was chaired by Ms. Elisabeth Schwabe-Hansen the Counsellor-Political Affairs at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Addressing the Development Partners, the Secretary General of the East African Community Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera disclosed that in June this year, the East African Legislative Assembly approved the EAC budget for financial year 2014/15 of USD 124,069,625. This budget consists of USD 73,180,446 from the Development Partners and USD 50,889,179 from the Partner States.
He said the funds from the Development Partners will be used to implement the EAC priorities for FY 2014/15, which include; Operationalization of the Single Customs Territory; Implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol; Implementation of the roadmap towards the establishment of EAMU; Development of Infrastructure, Tripartite, EAC Industrialization Policy and Strategy; EAC Food Security Action Plan and Climate Change Master Plan; Sensitization of East Africans; Peace and Security; Political Federation and Revitalization of LVFO.
The Secretary General noted that the Community was making good progress on the integration agenda which is greatly supported by the Partnership Fund and applauded the Development Partners for the continued contributions.
"Since its inception the Fund has now contributed over USD 41 Million to this great agenda. However, much still needs to be done as we move into an era of Single Customs Territory, Implementation of the EAMU Protocol and Institutional Strengthening of EAC to deliver on its agenda" asserted the EAC official, adding that "I still count on the valuable support of the Development Partners and specifically the Partnership Fund which is a very special vehicle for EAC in terms of coordination of Development Partner support".
The 21st Partnership Fund Steering Committee Meeting considered, among others, the proposed priorities and disbursements for FY 2015/16, and the Partnership Fund Internal and External Audit and Annual Reports for FY 2013/14.
DEBATE ON THE ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE FOR REPORT OF EAC AUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 2013 DEFERRED
East African Legislative Assembly, Arusha, Tanzania; January 28, 2015: The Assembly this afternoon moved to adjourn debate on the Report of the Committee on Accounts on the EAC’s audited accounts for the Financial Year ending 30th June 2013.
The report tabled last week by the Chair of the Accounts Committee, Hon Jeremie Ngendakumana, is now expected to be debated at the next Sitting in Bujumbura, Burundi. This follows a motion for adjournment of the ensuing debate moved by the Chair of the Council of Ministers, Hon Dr Abdalla Sadaala Abdalla.
The move is to allow for the Council of Ministers time to delve deeper into the report, undertake investigation and deep interrogation. The Minister added that the Council would like to take time to analyse and to verify some of the findings so as to give the Assembly more effective answers at its next Sitting.
“The Committee’s findings pose serious and deep-rooted matters that necessitate serious consideration by the Council. Some of the findings go to the root of the state of affairs of the EAC as a cherished engine of integration”, the Minister said.
The motion for adjournment of the debate is further pegged on the basis of Rule 31( c) of the Rules of Procedure governing the Assembly which provides that a motion for adjournment may be moved without notice.
Hon Dr. Sadaala lauded the Accounts Committee for tabling the report and remarked that the Committee had acted within the parametres of its responsibilities as provided for under its Rules of Procedure and added that this was part of the obligations of the Assembly as provided for under Article 49 of the EAC Treaty.
The Minister however noted that the report in its entirety, did not capture the responses of the EAC management.
“Mr. Speaker, I wish to inform this House that the Council and the Secretary General did meet the Committee to respond to the queries raised in the Audit Report”, Hon Saadala said. “It is unfortunate that our (Council) and management’s responses are not well reflected in the report of the Committee’, he added.
During debate, Hon Mike Sebalu challenged the Council of Ministers in future to engage much earlier and in time so that effective responses are given in time. “I hope this will not be a common practice”, he said.
Hon Abubakar Zein Abubakar told the Council to critically look into the matters contained in the report.
“There should be a timeframe attached to Council’s request” he said. Hon Mumbi Ngaru Hon Kimbisa and Hon Dr Nderakindo Kessy urged the Council to speedily address the contents therein.
Hon Susan Nakawuki and Hon Saoli Ole Nkanae however opposed the motion citing the need to address the matters raised in the report urgently.
Source: EAC Press
EAC ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION TO THE 2016 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA
EAC ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION TO THE 2016 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA
LAUNCH STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY ALI HASSAN MWINYI, RETIRED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA AND HEAD OF THE EAC ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION
Your Excellency Dr. Richard SEZIBERA - Secretary General of the East African Community;
Honorable Minister of EAC Affairs of the Republic of Uganda;
Honorable Members of the East African Legislative Assembly;
Experts from the Partner States;
Participants from Civil Society;
Staff from the EAC Secretariat;
Stakeholders from the press;
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Secretary General, let me to join you and your staff in mourning the sudden demise of Ms Isabelle Waffubwa, who had been a visible feature in the promotion of Democratic processes in the region. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is my honour and pleasure to announce to the people of the Republic of Uganda about the arrival of the East African Community (EAC) Election Observation Mission (EOM) to 18 February 2016 general elections in the Republic of Uganda. The Mission is in the country following the invitation by the Government of the Republic of Uganda and in fulfillment of the relevant provisions of the Treaty. It comprises 50 short-term observers drawn from the East African Legislative Assembly, national Human Rights Commissions, Electoral Management Bodies, Civil Society, EAC Youth Ambassadors and Officers from EAC Secretariat.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The EAC Election Observation Mission arrived in Kampala on 7 February 2016 and will remain in the country until 21 February 2016. It was preceded by a team of election experts from the EAC Partner States who arrived on 30 January 2016. The Mission will observe the concluding stages of the campaign process and engage with various stakeholders as well as observe the voting and counting processes on 18 February 2016.
In its assessment of the electoral process, I would like to highlight that the EAC Election Observation Mission will be guided by the democratic principles and values outlined in the African Charter for Democracy, Elections and Governance and the EAC Principles for Election Observation and Evaluation. To this end, the assessment of the electoral process in the Republic of Uganda will be carried out in an impartial and objective manner, informed by the principles and guidelines stipulated in the aforementioned standards as well as the legal framework governing the conduct of elections in the country.
Ladies and gentlemen
On this day, we are deploying a total of of seventeen teams of EAC observers in the various regions of Uganda to assess the level of preparedness of the elections as well as the polling process. The Mission will issue a statement of its preliminary findings of the elections on 20 February 2016 through a press conference. Subsequently, the EAC will release a final and comprehensive report through its policy organs after the end of the electoral process in the Republic of Uganda.
Distinguished Colleagues from the Press
I would like to inform you that there is a Spokesperson for the Head of Election Observer Mission - Dr. Abdullah Makame who is a Personal Assistant to me. He will be responsible with the press related issues, kindly cooperate with him during the entire process.
Ladies and gentlemen
May I take this opportunity to wish the citizens of Uganda success in choosing their future leaders through this important democratic exercise.
Long Live Uganda!
Long Live The East African Community.
Thank you very much for your attention
Source: EAC Press
REGIONAL LEGISLATORS PUSH FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS IN LIGHT OF CLIMATE CHANGE
REGIONAL LEGISLATORS PUSH FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS IN LIGHT OF CLIMATE CHANGE
.....House adopts Report on Regional Parliamentarians Policy Workshop on Climate Change and Gender
East African Legislative Assembly, Kampala, August 27 2015: A key policy report on Climate change and gender is calling on Partner States to promote pro-active approaches through adequate preparedness and appropriate strategies in light of climate change.
The Report which follows a regional Parliamentary workshop held in Burundian Capital, Bujumbura in March 2015 was this afternoon debated and approved by EALA. The Report was presented by the Chairperson of the Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources Committee, Hon Christophe Bazivamo.
The Report says that approaches such as early warning systems and modalities for flood and drought management need to be inculcated. Closely related to this aspect is the need for the Partner States and the East African Community to advocate for strong institutional and governance structures.
In addition, the Assembly is of the view that the Secretariat invests in climate/disaster focused research and tools Participatory Capacity and Vulnerability Analysis (PCVA) to boost the preparedness of the region.
The objectives of the workshop was to create awareness amongst Members of EALA on the critical cross-cutting subjects of climate change and gender; and to consider existing international and regional policies, strategies and regulatory instruments and frameworks on climate change and gender. At the same time, the workshop sought to identify the role of Parliamentarians in implementation of Gender Sensitive Climate Change Policies and Practical measures.
In the past, EALA has passed several environmental Bills including Transboundary Ecosystems Management Bill (2010), the EAC Polythene Material Control Bill, 2014. The EAC Disaster Risk Reduction and management Control Bill (2014) is under consultation. Work has also commenced on the EAC Climate Change Bill and a Climate Change Fund.
During debate today, Hon Abdullah Mwinyi called for demarcation of specific areas for cattle keepers so that enough fodder is realized and sustainability is realised.
We need a recommendation to that effect from the report such that it adds to the dimension of Climate Change and Gender. "Farmers are predominantly women while cattle keepers are pre-dominantly men", he said. "There is need for a region-wide policy to deal with any imminent clashes that may arise", he added.
Hon Mumbi Ngaru said natural and man-made events both contribute to Climate Change. "We have the Disaster Risk Reduction Bill pending before the House. It needs to brought forth immediately by the Council of Ministers", she said.
Hon Susan Nakawuki lauded the city Council of Arusha for greening the City by planting more trees. We should all borrow from the successes of the City.
She called on the Partner States to ensure the EAC Climate Change Fund received funding.
Hon Valerie Nyirahabineza said the Assembly could champion the importance of the Climate Change Fund. "As an Assembly, we can support the Fund in a symbolic manner", she said.
Hon Dora Byamukama, Hon Dr. Odette Nyiramilimo and Hon Sarah Bonaya also supported the Report.
-ENDS-
Source: EAC Press
OFFICE OF THE FACILITATOR OF THE INTER-BURUNDI DIALOGUE
OFFICE OF THE FACILITATOR OF THE INTER-BURUNDI DIALOGUE
PRESS RELEASE
Press Release on the Resumption of the Inter-Burundi Dialogue, Arusha, Tanzania, May 21, 2016: The Inter-Burundi Dialogue resumed today at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) in Arusha, Tanzania under the leadership of H.E. Benjamin Mkapa, the Facilitator of the process.
The Inter-Burundi Dialogue is being attended by various stakeholders including Former Heads of State, the National Commission for Inter-Burundi Dialogue (CNDI), all Political Parties registered in Burundi, Civil Society Organizations, Faith-based Groups, prominent Political Actors inside and outside Burundi, as well as Women and Youth groups.
The Dialogue is also being attended by representatives of the Diplomatic Community in Tanzania; UN Security Council; African Union, EAC Partner State Governments, and; the EAC Secretariat.
The 4-day Inter-Burundi Dialogue will include closed door consultation sessions between the Facilitator and the diverse stakeholders.
Opening the Dialogue, President Mkapa urged all the Parties to the conflict to renounce violence and seek a peaceful solution to the conflict.
"We are all aware that this is a Burundi problem and it can be solved only by the Barundi themselves. My role is only to facilitate the Barundi to dialogue and reach an amicable solution. My plan in this endeavour is to give ample time and space to all stakeholders to express their views on the way forward," said the facilitator.
President Mkapa hailed the support to the process by United Nations, the African Union and the international community which support he added had ensured the smooth running of the Inter-Burundi Dialogue.
He urged all stakeholders to support the process so that Burundi returns to normalcy and peace.
He urged the people of Burundi to embrace a democratic culture as they have done over the past 10 years in addition to strengthening democracy in the country.
Speaking at the function, EAC Secretary Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko said it was the Community's hope that the process would bring all Burundians to a common understanding that will result in peace, democracy and prosperity in the country.
In his remarks, Amb. Jamal Benomaar, representing UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, said that only a genuine and inclusive dialogue could enable Burundian stakeholders to find a way of the current crisis facing the country.
Amb. Benomaar reaffirmed the UN Security Council's full support to the EAC-led mediation effort under the leadership of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
Addressing the delegates, AU Representative Amb. Ibrahima Fall noted that Burundi had witnessed a cycle of peace and violence, adding that the dialogue was an opportunity for the country to put an end to the cycle.
Amb. Roeland Van de Geer, on behalf of the Diplomatic Community in Tanzania, said peace in Burundi was important not just for the East African region but the world as a whole.
From: EAC PRESS
