East African Community Secretariat; Bujumbura, Burundi; 28 August 2017:
The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko has commended the Defence sector in the region for its exemplary work and being a shining stay in the regional integration agenda.
Speaking at a Dinner Gala hosted over the weekend at a Bujumbura Hotel by Burundi’s Ministry of Defence for the contingents and officials attending the 11th EAC Military Games and Cultural Event 2017, the Secretary General said that the implementation of the Protocol on Cooperation in Defence Affairs had been one of the successful and exemplary programmes in the EAC integration process geared towards confidence building and solidarity among themselves and the civilian population, as exemplified by the presence and attendance of the civilian population in large numbers during the games and cultural events.
“I commend our Chiefs of Defence Forces for the dedication and big strides they are making towards the realization of the aspirations of the Protocol on Cooperation in Defence matters”, affirmed the Secretary General.
Amb. Mfumukeko informed his audience that since 2005, the Community had held Ten Editions of the Military Games and Cultural Event and the 11th Edition was the second time the Republic of Burundi was hosting the event. The first time Burundi hosted the event was in 2011.
“We at the EAC Secretariat consider this to be a significant achievement and indicator of the good progress we are making in pushing the integration agenda forward,” noted the Secretary General.
Amb. Mfumukeko briefly outlined the achievements the Community was registering in all the pillars of the integration (Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union, and Political Federation).
In regard to the Political Federation, the Secretary General said the Heads of State had deliberated on issue and adopted the Political Confederation as a transitional model of the East African Political Federation and directed the Council of Ministers to constitute a team of Constitutional Experts to draft the Constitution for the Political Confederation.
At the same function, Colonel Joseph Bakari, a representative of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) based in Brussels Belgium, a citizen of Tanzania and a serving Officer of the Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces (TPDF) attached to CISM as Assistant to the CISM Director of Sports, reiterated CISM’s appreciation and respect to the Government of Burundi for adherence to CISM goals and ideals and also the EAC Partner States to allow these games to be organized annually on rotational basis.
Col. Bakari, who represented the Secretary General of CISM Col. Dorah Mamby Koita (Guinea), said that what the world witnessed at the official opening of the 11th EAC Military Games and Cultural Event, and throughout the duration of the event in Bujumbura, is sign of peace in the region and the implementation of CISM ideals at the regional level.
“In CISM we have a clear “NO POLITICS IN CISM” institutional principle' that allows us to go beyond barriers and unite soldiers in a peaceful environment in all countries of the world. Suffice to say this is also the same with the EAC military games and therefore qualifying the EAC as a key promoter of International Military Cooperation” noted the CISM official, adding that “Gathering in a spirit of peace and mutual understanding among the EAC Partner States is indeed a genuine demonstration of EAC uniqueness and relevance in the current international military and defense strategies”.
“However, some fundamental values common to every soldier,wherever they come from, such as determination, open-mindedness, discipline, commitment and respect as well as avoidance of drug use and abuse in sports (Anti doping) should always be emphasized”, declared Col. Bakari.
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Notes to Editor:
CISM is one of the largest multidisciplinary organizations in the world formed in 1948 after the Second World War. It is made up of 136 member countries recognized by the United Nations as follows:- Africa (46), Asia (30), America (18) and Europe (42). The Motto of CISM is Friendship Through Sport. EAC Partner States are Members of CISM.
Since inception, CISM has established as its primary objectives to bring together, through the vector of sporting activities, the soldiers of the world on the sport fields to ultimately promote friendship and solidarity, embracing the international efforts towards a peaceful world. Soldiers, who may previously have met on the battlefield, now meet in friendship on the sports playing fields.
The current CISM President is Col Abdul Hakeem Alshino (Bahrain) and the Secretary General is Col. Dorah Mamby Koita (Guinea).
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; Bujumbura, Burundi; 28 August 2017:
The 11th EAC Military Games and Cultural Event 2017 kicked off at Prince Louis Rwagasore National Stadium over the weekend with an appeal by the President and Commander-in-Chief of National Defence Force of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza “to all members of the East African Community to refrain from provoking one another or helping and abetting individuals or groups likely to disrupt peace and security in any other member State”.
The President, who was the Chief Guest at the colourful opening ceremony, stated that “while Sport was unifying and bringing peoples together, let us compete but you should bear in mind that your job as a soldier is not the easiest. While our national armies do all they can to defend their borders and the region as a whole, you must constantly remember that the threat of terrorism is at an all-time high. We consequently need collective efforts and strategies to fight it”.
H.E. Nkurunziza said by the fact that Burundi was hosting the Event was a clear indication that peace and security was reigning in the country “contrary to what bad-intentioned media and enemies of Burundi spread around the globe”.
He informed the well attended event by both the civilians and invited guests that the games were taking place at a time when Burundi was celebrating ten years since joining the East African Community and his country had gained and contributed a lot ever since it became a member. “Full integration in all sectors is effectively taking shape and this includes the Defence and Security Forces”.
He said culturally, Burundians were proud of themselves for owning drums that had been made by UNESCO part of the global heritage, and Burundi had just scooped the first place worldwide in the recent cultural and tourism exhibitions held in Russia. “I have no doubts that our military were in a position to emulate what their civilian counterparts have been able to achieve recently”, affirmed the President.
He said the region’s efforts in Somalia, Central African Republic and within the Great Lakes Region were examples of the ongoing collective efforts in search of peace in the Region and extended his deep appreciation and gratitude to the Chiefs of the EAC Partner States Defence Forces for their constant and consistent dedication.
“Such a dedication and effort will definitely facilitate the fast tracking and handling of our common problems of security such as terrorism, poaching and cattle rustling which can pose a threat to our regional stability,” noted the President.
H.E. Nkurunziza once again reiterated the commitment of the Republic of Burundi to the integration process and full cooperation within all members of the EAC.
Addressing the same gathering, Burundi’s Defence Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Ntahonvukiye welcomed the contingents to Burundi and said the country was greatly honoured to host the event, which is aimed at fostering the principle of togetherness and solidarity among the Defence Forces of the Community. It is also aimed at promoting physical activity; contribute towards harmonious development of sports and culture in the region, and to the regional and international effort for universal peace.
At the same occasion, the Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko disclosed that the Games and Cultural activities had great significance beyond building confidence among the Armed Forces of the Partner States and that it bears a great symbolic significance having regard to the broader goals and vision of a competitive, prosperous and united East Africa.
He said that the presence of the Chiefs of the Defence Forces, the Service Commanders, General Officers; Defence Liaison Officers; and Members of the Armed Forces Contingents of the Partner States, as well as the ordinary citizens in the stadium demonstrates that the vision of the founding fathers of One People, One Destiny can and will be achieved.
The Secretary General reiterated that peace and security were the prerequisites for social and economic development and with the rising security challenges all over the world, the region needs to build strong armed forces within the EAC framework that could work together to face both the internal and external challenges to the development and progress of the Community. “East Africans continue to look upon the Military to show the way forward especially towards the promotion of peace and solidarity and we must never fail them”, asserted Amb. Mfumukeko.
Uganda’s 2nd Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of EAC Affairs and Chairperson of the EAC Council of Minister, Rt. Hon. Kirunda Kivenjija, together with Uganda’s Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Lt Col. (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama also attended the official opening ceremony.
In a thrilling opening football match that was kicked-off by H.E Pierre Nkurunziza, Kenya Defence Force defeated National Defence Force of Burundi 1-0.
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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 Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 27 August 2017:
The 2017 Regional Youth Consultations Forum in close collaboration with Regional Economic Communities( RECs) as members of the African Governance Architecture (AGA) will be held on 28th to 30th August, 2017 at the East African Community Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
The overall goal of the regional youth consultations is to provide a collaborative, open and inclusive space for young people to critically and objectively reflect on the progress made so far; challenges encountered; and prospects for enhancing meaningful youth participation in Africa’s democratization processes, particularly in its electoral processes.
The forum will also provide a platform for reflection on barriers and opportunities for meaningful youth participation in electoral processes at the individual, organizational and societal levels; Improve capacity of youth-led and focused organizations /networks towards enhanced youth organizing and participation in electoral processes at local and national levels with the aim of moving from tokenistic to impact-oriented approaches; Create functional linkages between national and regional networks as well as their initiatives aimed at empowering young people to meaningfully participate in political processes in general and electoral processes in particular among others.
The three-day forum will be expected to come up with actionable recommendations grounded in a rights-based approach to youth political participation to improve individual programming of African Union (AU) Organs, and Regional Economic Communities (RECs);enhance efforts towards meaningful youth participation in political parties, government ministries, and agencies, including media.
In addition, the forum expected enhanced capacity of youth-led or -focused organisations and networks to foster young people’s participation in democratic elections and ensure accountability and transparency; as well as provide baseline information and also disseminated to facilitate sharing of best practices and lessons learned among the AU Member States.
The 2017 youth consultations themed; Enhancing Young People’s Meaningful Participation in Electoral Processes in Africa” will be convened under the auspices of the African Governance Architecture (AGA) Youth Engagement Strategy (AGA-YES), to assess young people’s participation in electoral processes in Africa.
The Secretary General of EAC Amb Liberat Mfumukeko is expected to grace the official opening session of the youth consultation on 28th August 2017.
The forum will be attended by Youth-led and oriented organizations implementing activities that are related to youth in electoral processes, programmes and activities; Prominent youth-led and -focused organizations and networks that work on issues of democratic elections and young people’s participation in electoral processes; Youth representatives from political parties, Elections Commissions, Civil Society Organization(CSOs) Non-Governmental Organizations, government and Members of Parliaments.
Selected think tanks and academic research institutions with experience in promoting youth participation in electoral processes; Selected media practitioners; and Youth focal points for and representatives of the African Governance Platform Members will also attend.
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Notes to Editor:
Over the past three decades, Africa has witnessed a commendable shift in the process of leadership change, with coup-d’états replaced with competitive elections. The continent continues to witness an increase in regular, credible and transparent elections, which have become the embodiment of Africa’s democratisation progress. Nonetheless, electoral processes are however becoming intricate, with increasing attention paid to the ‘democratic’ nature of these elections.
A concern has been the inclusivity of the electoral process particularly as it affects young people. Except for few countries, the participation of youth has been limited to voting, which in itself is relatively low when compared with other demographic groups. For instance, despite young people’s demographic strength, Africa’s youth participation in political processes, including electoral processes, is still lower than that of their elders, particularly in terms of voting.
According to a survey conducted by Afro barometer in 36 African countries between 2014 and 2015, 66% of 18-to-35-year-old respondents’ old enough to vote in the elections voted, compared to 79% of citizens above the age of 35.
In an effort to cast the light on the needs of its rapidly growing young population and to devise means of harnessing the demographic dividend, AU Heads of State and Government at the January 2016 Assembly Summit devoted the year 2017 to “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth.” In order to give effect to the AU Assembly Decision on the 2017 theme of the year, a Roadmap was developed and adopted by the AU Policy Organs.
The African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 categorically identified youth are key stakeholders in the attainment of the goal and aspirations of Agenda 2063. This is premised on the youth bulge currently experienced on the continent, with over 60% of the population under 30 years and the promise of a demographic dividend it holds if adequate investments are made in their social, economic and political agency as its long-term development vision, with the goal of “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.”
Cognizant of the value young people bring to Africa’s development and democratisation process, AU recognizes young people as partners, leaders, and beneficiaries in building a democratic culture on the continent.
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; Kigali, Rwanda; 06 August 2017:
Three Election Observer Missions including the East African Community (EAC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the International Conference of the Great Lakes (ICGLR) have given a clean bill to the Rwandan Presidential Election in which President Paul Kagame won with a landslide.
In preliminary statements at a press briefing in Kigali today, the Heads of Mission of the three Election Observer Missions (EOMs) said that the election was free and fair and that it was held in a peace and secure atmosphere.
The three, Hon. Moody Awori for EAC, Bishop Mary Nkosi (COMESA) and Hon. Arinaitwe Rwajakara further noted that all presidential candidates including the two from the opposition were provided with security and allowed to campaign freely across the country.
They noted that the media, both public and private, played a crucial role in the campaigns by according balanced and equitable coverage to all the presidential candidates during campaigns in addition to highlighting the key policy issues that were at the heart of the campaigns.
“It was noted that the media including the state-owned Rwanda Broadcasting Agency radio and television stations gave equal airtime to the three presidential candidates to market themselves to the electorate. The EAC EOM noted that while editorial airtime was doled out equally to the candidates, the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front was more visible in the political advertising segment as the only entity that bought advertising slots,” said Awori.
Noting that only the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front party had agents at nearly all the polling stations, the EOMs called on all Political Parties and Independent Candidates to facilitate the deployment of agents at most polling rooms.
In their preliminary recommendations, the three EOMs however called for capacity building especially the need to train polling clerks on election management.
The three missions also emphasized the need for continuous voter/civic education to empower citizens to make informed decisions on Election Day.
They recommended that the practice of playing loud music while the voting process was underway be reconsidered, as it appeared disruptive and noisy.
In its recommendations, EAC urged the Executive and Parliament in Rwanda to consider amending the electoral laws to further empower the National Electoral Commission (NEC) and enhance its autonomy.
EAC also asked the Executive and Legislature in Rwanda to consider legislation to provide for equitable public funding of electoral campaigns.
EAC advised the NEC to explore prospects of limiting support by security agencies to providing security and progressively delinking security personnel from transportation of election materials as per good international practice.
In its recommendation, COMESA urged the Government of Rwanda and NEC to gradually consider incorporating information technology in the electoral process, particularly the transmission of results.
The Rwandan presidential election was contested by the incumbent president Paul Kagame of the Rwandan Patriotic Front, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and journalist Philippe Mpayimana who is running as an independent candidate. President Kagame won the election sweeping 98 per cent of the votes cast.
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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 Secretariat; Nairobi, Kenya; 05 August 2017:
The East African Community Election Observer Mission to Kenya’s 8th August 2017 General Elections yesterday flagged off by the Head of the Mission (HoM), Hon. Prof. Edward B. Rugumayo in Nairobi, Kenya.
Addressing the Observers and the Media, the HoM commended the people of Kenya for so far conducting themselves with maturity in one of the most vibrant election campaigns the country had ever seen.
“I trust that this level of dignity, level mindedness and peace will be upheld throughout the campaigning period, on Election Day and thereafter,” asserted Prof. Rugumayo, adding that “a transparent and peaceful election will manifest the sovereign of all Kenyans to democratically choose their leaders and guarantee peace, stability and economic growth in the country and the region as a whole”. Prof. Rugumayo commended the EAC Election Observers for the dedication and commitment that they had displayed by agreeing to be part of the mission to observe the General Elections in Kenya.
The Head of the Mission flagged off 60 Observers who will cover 21 counties of the 47 counties in the country. The Mission is to observe that the elections are conducted in a transparent, credible, free and fair environment and are in line with the universally acceptable principles of democracy and good governance.
The Observers will follow the campaigns; meet election officials, the populace, candidates and other stakeholders up to and beyond Election Day.
The Observer Mission will release a Preliminary Report on 10th August 2017 after the election and the long-term observer team will spend two more weeks after the election to compile the final observation report with recommendations to the various stakeholders in the Kenya electoral system.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Mission has continued to engage with the various stakeholders during this period. He has met and held discussions with the Chief Justice, David Maraga on the state of preparedness of the Judiciary to the forthcoming General Elections.
The HoM also met the Chair of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Mr. Wafula Chebukati and engaged with the Presidential Candidate Dr. Ekuru Aukot of Thirdway Alliance Kenya (TAK).
The HoM and the EAC Observers received briefings by the Secretary General of the Jubilee Party, Hon. Rapheal Tuju, and from the Chief Executive Officer of the NASA, Mr. Norman Mayaga.
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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 Secretariat; Kigali, Rwanda; 01 August 2017:
he Heads of the East African Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Election Observer Missions (EOMs) have hailed the Republic of Rwanda for holding a cost effective presidential election.
Hon. Moody Awori for EAC and Bishop Mary Nkosi (COMESA) further praised the preparedness of the Rwanda National Electoral Commission (NEC) to conduct the election slated for Friday, 4th August, 2017.
Hon. Awori and Bishop Nkosi observed that the 2017 presidential election would not be as expensive as the previous one held in 2010 in that the unit cost had reduced to US$1 from US$3 per voter.
The two leaders further said it was noteworthy that the NEC has just 55 permanent staff and would rely on 70,000 volunteers thereby cutting down heavily on operational expenses.
They further noted that the people of Rwanda were conducting peaceful and orderly campaigns.
Hon. Awori and Bishop Nkosi held a meeting at the Kigali Serena Hotel where the EAC EOM Secretariat is based. Both Mission heads have already met the Chair of the NEC to assess its preparedness for the election.
Hon. Awori informed Bishop Nkosi that members of the EAC EOM had already been trained, provided with observation gadgets and flagged off to the 30 districts of Rwanda.
The former Kenyan Vice President said that a multiple level general election as is the case in most African countries often brings about numerous logistical challenges compounded with the vast geographical sizes.
“In Rwanda, it is notable that there are only three candidates contesting in the presidential election,” he said.
Apart from the EAC, COMESA and the African Union, the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) will observe the Rwandan election.
Hon. Awori and Bishop Nkosi said that it would be ideal if the EAC, COMESA and other African observation missions present their preliminary reports jointly on 6th August, 2017.
The Rwandan presidential election is will be contested by the incumbent president Paul Kagame of the Rwandan Patriotic Front, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and journalist Philippe Mpayimana who is running as an independent candidate.
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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 Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 28 July 2017:
The East African Community attaches great importance to the promotion of democracy which will in turn guarantee political stability in the region.
The Head of the EAC Election Observer Mission (EOM) to Rwanda, former Kenyan Vice President Moody Awori, said that no country could expect to attain economic growth, peace and security without the stamp of legitimacy from its citizens.
“This is why we as a Community are keen on free, fair and transparent elections in all the six Partner States,” said Mr. Awori.
Mr. Awori disclosed that the Community will be deploying a total of 10 teams of EAC Observers to all the Provinces of Rwanda sampling 30 districts 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 on the elections on 6th August, 2017 through a press conference,” said the former VP, adding that the EAC would subsequently release a comprehensive report through its policy organs after the end of the electoral process in Rwanda.
Mr. Awori made the remarks when he formally launched the Mission at a Kigali hotel.
The Rwandan presidential election, which will be held on 4th August, 2017, will be contested by the incumbent president Paul Kagame of the Rwandan Patriotic Front, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and journalist Philippe Mpayimana who is running as an independent candidate.
The former VP said that in its assessment of the electoral process, the EAC Mission would 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.
The EOM comprises 30 short-term observers drawn from the East African Legislative Assembly, national Human Rights Commissions, Electoral Management Bodies, Civil Society, EAC Youth Ambassadors and the Staff of the EAC Secretariat.
The Mission arrived in Kigali on 26th July, 2017 and will remain in the country until 7th August, 2017. It was preceded by a team of election experts from the EAC Partner States who arrived on 16th July, 2017.
The Mission will observe the concluding stages of the election campaigns and engage with various stakeholders as well as observe the voting and counting processes on and after 4th August, 2017.
Also present at the launch were the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge, and Ms. Flavia Sarafina, acting Director General at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and East African Affairs, Rwanda.
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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 Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 27 July 2017:
The East African Community is dispatching Election Observer Missions to the Presidential Elections in the Republic of Rwanda scheduled to take place on 4th August 2017, and to the General Elections in the Republic of Kenya, due to take place on 8th August 2017.
The Missions in the two Partner States are being undertaken in two phases; the Long Term Observer Mission/or Pre Election Mission (PEMi); and the Short Term Election Observer Mission. The EAC Long Term Observer Mission/or Pre Election Mission (PEMi) arrived in Rwanda and Kenya respectively on 16th July 2017 and will depart on 14th August 2017. The Short Term Election Observer Mission arrived in Rwanda on Wednesday 26th July and will depart on 7th August, while for Kenya, it will arrive on 30th July and depart on 11th August 2017.
In line with the Guiding Policy, the two Partner States (Rwanda and Kenya) will not observe their own elections.
The EAC Elections Observer Missions to the two Partner States are in response to the invitation by their National Electoral Management Bodies to the Secretariat as well as a response to the decision of the EAC Council of Ministers on observation of elections in the Partner States. The Missions’ mandate is to observe the overall electoral environment, pre-election activities, the polling day, the counting and tallying of results.
The members of the EAC Election Observer Missions have been drawn from different but complementary disciplines and includes, former Members of the East African Legislative Assembly (nominated by their countries) as well as Members of National Assemblies from Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan and Burundi; National Electoral Commissions; National Human Rights Commissions; Civil society organizations; and youth representatives from EAC Youth Ambassadors Platform.
Commenting ahead of the deployment of the EAC Election Observer Missions, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge says the two Missions were being undertaken pursuant to Article 3 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community which requires “…adherence to universally acceptable principles of democratic governance and in line with the EAC Principles of Election Observation and Evaluation.
The EAC Deputy Secretary General asserts that “as the region moves deeper in the integration process with the ultimate goal of having a Political Federation, EAC Partner States need to standardize their governance practices and should take keen interest in each other’s’ political and electoral processes”.
Mr. Njoroge contends that successful and peaceful elections in the two Partner States are of paramount importance to the regional integration agenda in order to underpin the outstanding milestones the region has so far achieved through regional integration. “Therefore we expect successful missions in the two Partner States and we very much hope that they will further strengthen the democratic process and advance development in the region’.
The Heads of the Missions are expected to prepare Reports for consideration by the EAC Council of Ministers ahead of transmittal to the respective National Electoral Management Bodies for implementation as may be deemed appropriate.
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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 Secretariat; Arusha, Tanzania; 05 July 2017:
The Secretary General of the East African Community, Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko held a consultative meeting with the leadership of the International Conference on the Great Lakes (ICGLR) Secretariat in Bujumbura, Burundi on Tuesday 4th July 2017.
The consultations co-chaired by the ICGLR Deputy Executive Secretary, Amb. Vincente Muanda was a follow up to a bilateral meeting held in March 2017 which revisited the Memorandum of Understanding concluded by the two sides on 1st December 2010, with a view to re-energizing its implementation.
The meeting, attended by Directors at the ICGLR and the EAC alternate focal person on implementation of the MoU, Mr. Leonard Onyonyi, reviewed the plan of action developed after the March meeting and underscored the need for enhancement of the pace of implementation.
The meeting identified the following activities as critical to the partnership and complementarity between the two parties.
Democracy and Good Governance
Fielding of joint Election Observer Missions in Kenya and Rwanda,
Twinning of the Nyerere Centre for Peace Research with The Levy Mwanawasa Centre, and
Cooperation and information sharing on enforcement of certification mechanism in the area of natural resources.
Peace and Security
Harmonization of Counter Terrorism Strategies,
Joint efforts towards promotion of human rights in Burundi,
Collective approach towards assessment of security situations in Burundi and South Sudan
Economic Development and Regional Integration-sharing of information on progress towards conclusion of a wider Eastern and Southern Africa Free Trade Area and other integration initiatives
Cross cutting issues that include Gender, Women and Children.
The meeting agreed on a close follow up mechanism that will ensure regular evaluation after very three months.
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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 Secretariat; Nairobi, Kenya; 20 June 2017:
A four-day planning meeting ahead of deployment of the EAC Election Observer Missions in the Kenya General Elections and Rwanda Presidential Elections due in August 2017, is underway in Nairobi, Kenya.
The meeting is being attended by officials from the National Human Rights Commissions, National Independent Electoral Commissions, Offices of the Registrar of Political Parties, and Ministries in charge of EAC Affairs in the Partner States of the United Republic of Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Addressing participants at the opening session, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Mr. Charles Njoroge noted that this was the first time the Community was engaging in two Election Observer Missions at the same time in two Partner States within a period of ten days. “That means we will need to double our efforts and level of preparations”, said the EAC official, adding that getting involved in Electoral Observation in the region is in fulfilment of the EAC Treaty objectives on democratization.
He said the upcoming elections in the Republics of Kenya and Rwanda were the last in the 2010-2020 Electoral Calendar and that the next General Election in the region will take place in 2020.
Mr. Njoroge disclosed that the upcoming Missions will be characterized by a slight departure from the traditional Mission composition as for the first time since EAC commenced Election Observations; the Community will not have the much-needed regional political dimension traditionally offered by members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) because the 4th EALA is not yet constituted.
“Additionally, we will be welcoming on board the Republic of South Sudan who are to take part in the Missions for the first time. As we deliberate we will look at ways of ensuring that the absence of the EALA does not in any way impair the quality of the observation mission and the subsequent Report”, assured the Deputy Secretary General.
In the next four days, participants will be able to share information on election observation as a democratic benchmark, prepare for Election Observation in the Republics of Kenya and Rwanda including discussing the deployment plans and insight into the Kenyan Electoral Landscape.
Participants will also be able to engage with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission of Kenya. Consultation with the Rwanda National Electoral Commission will take place at a later date.
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Notes to Editor:
Pursuant to the provisions of Articles 123, 6 (d) and 3 (3) (b) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, the EAC will be deploying Electoral Observers to the Presidential Elections to be held in the Republic of Rwanda on 4th August 2017 and the General Elections to be held in the Republic of Kenya on 8th August 2017.
The Observer Missions headed by Eminent Persons from the EAC Region and comprised of nominees from the EAC Partner States facilitated by the Secretariat will undertake the exercise in line with guidelines contained in the EAC Principles on Electoral Observation and Evaluation, which heralded the institutionalization of Election Observation in the EAC Partner States.
The EAC has previously fielded Election Observer Missions to Elections in the Republic Kenya 2013, Republic of Rwanda, Republic of Burundi 2005, 2010, 2015, The United Republic of Tanzania 2015, the Repeat Elections in Zanzibar 2016, and the Republic of Uganda 2016, among others.
The deployment of the Short-Term Observation Mission will be preceded by Pre-Election Monitoring Missions whose remit will be to look at the playing field based on a number of variables. The length of both Missions will thus be 14th July to 12th August 2017 for the Republic of Kenya and 9th July to 7th August 2017 for the Republic of Rwanda.
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.
