Posted in Press Release
The Ambassador of Belgium to the United Republic of Tanzania, and also accredited to the EAC bloc, H.E. Paul Cartier , today paid a courtesy call to Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, the Secretary General of the East African Community.The Secretary General and his guest discussed among other things the possible areas of cooperation especially in the area of Education and Energy.
During their discussions Amb. Mfumukeko briefed the Belgium Envoy the proposed reforms at the EAC Secretariat geared towards cost cutting. The EAC Chief disclosed to H.E. Paul Cartier that he has been consulting with the key various EAC stakeholders on how to minimise costs at the Secretariat. Amb Mfumukeko pledged to make an official statement at the meeting with key Development Partners on the 7th of June, 2016 in Dar es Salaam.
In his part H.E. Paul Cartier congratulated Amb. Mfumukeko for his appointment and noted the impressive progress in the EAC integration process.
Commenting on the progress of the dialogue process for Burundi Peace Talks currently being held in Arusha, the Belgium Envoy hailed the Facilitator of the Inter-Burundi Dialogue former President of United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Benjamini Mkapa for being able to mobilise a large number of representative to attend the dialogue . At least 83 delegates have turned up representing various stakeholders in Burundi.
The Ambassador however expressed concerns about the negative publicity of the event in some of the media channels in the region. Both Secretary General and the Ambassador were in agreement with the clarion call by the Facilitator for renouncing the violence in Burundi.
Posted in Press Release
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) holds its sitting in Arusha, Tanzania, next week. The Sixth Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Third Assembly takes place from Monday, May 23, 2016 to Friday, June 3, 2016.
The Assembly is to be presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel F. Kidega. Top on the agenda during the two week period is the EAC Budget Speech which is expected to be delivered on Thursday, May 26th, 2016, by the Chair of the Council of Ministers, Hon. Dr Augustine Mahiga. The Assembly is then expected to debate and approve the Budget as part of its mandate.
The Budget Speech is a key activity of the EAC calendar. Last year, EALA debated and approved EAC Budget estimates for the Financial Year 2015/2016 totaling to US$ 110, 660,098.
The 2015/2016 Budget prioritised on the operationalisation of the Single Customs Territory, enhanced implementation of the EAC Common Market Protocol with particular focus on implementation of the new generation EAC internationalised e-Passports and development of the EAC trading, payments and settlements systems.
Also top on the agenda during the two week period is a Special Sitting to be addressed by the Partner States’ Independence former First Ladies, Their Excellences, Mama Ngina Kenyatta (Kenya), Mama Miria Obote (Uganda) and Mama Maria Nyerere (United Republic of Tanzania).
The Special Sitting on May 31st, 2016, presents a unique opportunity for the Members to interact and to share experiences with the distinguished former first ladies’ given that EAC as is constituted today, borrows a number of best practices from the first bloc.
Debate on the recent State of EAC Address, is also on the menu. On March 8th, 2016, The Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Rt Hon Kassim Majaliwa delivered the State of EAC Address to EALA at the 5th Meeting of the 4th Session in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
The Prime Minister informed the House that progress had been realised following the entry of the Single Customs Territory. He remarked that finalization of key operational instruments, revision of business manuals, development of M&E tool framework, deployment of staff and revision of an enforcement framework had opened the path for the operationalisation of the SCT in the Partner States.
Two key Bills on the cards at the EALA meeting are the EAC Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Bill, 2015 and the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2016.
The object of PWD Bill, 2015 is to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of the rights of persons with disability in the Community. The Bill is premised under the provisions of Article 120 (c) of the EAC Treaty under which, Partner States closely co-operate amongst themselves in the field of social welfare with respect to the development and adoption of a common approach towards disadvantaged and marginalized groups. Such groups include children, the youth, the elderly and persons with disability through rehabilitation and provision of among others, foster homes, healthcare, education and training.
The House is also expected to receive and to debate on a number of Committee reports. On the other side, its Committees shall hold consultative meetings with the EAC Council of Ministers. The Communications, Trade and Investments Committee has a date with the EAC Council of Ministers to review the EAC Sectional Properties Bill, 2016 and the EA Customs Management (Amendment Act) 2016.
On its part, the General Purpose Committee will consult with the Council on the Supplementary Budget Bill and the PWD Bill respectively, prior to tabling of both Bills in the House.