The EAC Secretary General, Hon. Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko, this afternoon took Oath of Allegiance as an Ex-Officio of the Assembly as the 6th Meeting of the 4th Session commenced in Arusha, Tanzania this afternoon.
Hon. Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko was sworn in by the Clerk to the Assembly in a brief ceremony witnessed by the Speaker and Members of EALA in line with the Rule 5 of the Rules and Procedures of the Assembly. The Rule 5(4) of 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 5(5) 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”.
Hon. Mfumukeko was ushered in to the House by EALA Members, Hon. Isabelle Ndahayo and Hon. Hafsa Mossi.
Hon. Amb. Mfumukeko was appointed during the February 2016 Summit of EAC Heads of State to replace Hon. Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera. Prior to the appointment as Secretary General, Hon. Mfumukeko was the Deputy Secretary General, Finance and Administration at the EAC.
Hon. Amb. Liberat Mfumukeko has over twenty one years’ work experience in both private and public sector. Prior to joining the EAC, Hon. Amb. Mfumukeko was the Director General of the Burundi Electricity and Water National Company between 2013 to 2015 and President of the Steering Committee of the East African Power Pool. He has served as a Senior Advisor to the President of the Republic of Burundi in charge of Economic Affairs (2012-2013) and as Director General of the Burundi Investment Promotion Authority (2009-2012).
Hon. Amb. Mfumukeko served as an Economic Expert at the United Nations - UNDP and FAO from 2006 to 2009 and also in various companies in the USA and France including Banque Populaire (France), EDF GDF - Electricite de France (France) and American Express, Mobil Oil, FUBU, Karl Kani (USA).
Hon. Amb. Mfumukeko, who is a Doctoral Studies candidate (Doctoral studies in Business Administration - DBA) at Atlantic University holds a BSC and Masters Degree in Economics (Université Francois Rabelais of Tours - France), and an MBA from Clark University in the USA. He has attended several training programs in Change Management and International Business at Harvard University and at the MIT in USA.
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.
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.
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, Former President of the United Republis of Tanzania, H.E. Benjamin 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.
The Former President 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 General, 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, Head of the EU Delegation to Tanzania, 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.
The Inter-Burundi Dialogue is scheduled to take place from 21st to 24th May 2016 at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC).
The Media will be allowed only at the official opening and closing ceremonies. Journalists seeking to cover the event should email: a scanned copy of their press card; recent passport size photograph, and/or; copy of passport for accreditation purposes to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., CC: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Accreditation of Local and International Journalists intending to cover ONLY the official opening ceremony of the Dialogue on Saturday 21st May 2016, will commence on Friday 20th May 2016 at 14.00hrs in Room 541, 5th Floor, Kilimanjaro Wing of the Arusha International Conference Centre.
Kindly avail yourself in person with your valid Press Card and/or Passport (for non-Tanzanian nationals) to facilitate the accreditation process. Please present yourself physically even if you have emailed your particulars to the EAC Media Centre.
The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Republic of Tanzania, and also accredited to the EAC bloc, H.E. Egon Kochanke, today paid a courtesy call on Mr Liberat Mfumukeko, the Secretary General of the East African Community.
The Secretary General and his guest discussed a wide range of issues geared towards deepening cooperation between Germany and the East African Community.
Speaking during the discussion, the EAC Secretary General , Mr Liberat Mfumukeko, thanked the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany for its support to the EAC spanning the years since the re-establishment of the Cooperation between the three founding EAC Partner States to the present, when the Community has expanded to include the republics of Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan.
"We have truly benefited from the German support which has catalyzed other Development Partners to support our projects and programmes”
Burundi Peace Process
On the Burundi peace process, the EAC Secretary General , Mr Liberat Mfumukeko briefed H.E Egon Kochanke that Burundi has made substantial progress in establishing and maintaining peace and stability. He noted that attainment of peace and stability in Burundi amounts to peace and stability in the entire region, adding that regional and international stakeholders should actively engage in the attainment of these objectives.
South Sudan Accession to EAC
The EAC Secretary General informed the Germany Ambassador that South Sudan has been given six months to complete the ratification process of the Accession Treaty signed on 15th April 2016, after which the country will be a full member of the EAC.
On his part, H.E. Egon Kochanke congratulated Mr. Mfumukeko for his appointment and noted the impressive progress in the EAC integration process and re-affirmed to the Secretary General his country’s continued support to the EAC Projects and programs. "We are very happy with our relationship with EAC and I am looking forward to a strong partnership in the development of the regional bloc", asserted the Germany Ambassador.
Present at the meeting were the EAC Deputy Secretaries General in charge Planning and Infrastructure, Dr Enos Bukuku, and that of Political Federation, Mr Charles Njoroge, and other officials from the EAC Secretariat.
The Second Annual Conference on Leiden-East African Community (LEAC) Law was held yesterday as part of the annual commemoration of the Europe Day at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. The conference themed: ‘From Rules to Reality’ was graced by Amb. Roeland van de Geer, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania and to the EAC.
The Second Annual LEAC Conference was organised with the support of the EAC, the EU delegation to Tanzania, the East African Court of Justice and Europa Institute of Leiden Law School. It brought together judges, academicians, legal practitioners, business people and government and EAC officials to discuss the importance and opportunities for building a legal community to support and inspire East African integration including the steps needed to create a thriving legal community for the EAC, and how the community can work towards realising the set out objectives for the bloc and its citizens.
Addressing the gathering, Amb. Roeland van de Geer commended the leadership at the EAC Headquarters for hosting the event on behalf of the EU and pointed out that it was now a consolidated tradition for the EU and the EAC to organise, on the occasion of the EU Day, a conference on an important topic in the framework of EU’s support to the regional integration. “This year we chose to celebrate the launch of a textbook titled; EAC Law, Institutional, Substantive and Comparative EU Law Aspects”, the EU envoy affirmed.
On behalf of the EAC Secretary General Mr Liberat Mfumukeko, the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Planning and Infrastructure, Dr. Enos Bukuku, hailed the EU for its valuable support and contribution to the EAC integration agenda affirming that; “Indeed, EU’s support in EAC’s programmes, activities and projects has made a significant impact on the integration agenda. He said EAC had benefited from exchange of knowledge and best practices from the EU, apart from the financial support. “We count on continued support from the EU as well as on exchange of information and experiences on integration.”
Dr Bukuku appreciated the efforts of the editors of the textbook on EAC Law which was launched at the event. The textbook is co-authored by Hon. Justice Dr Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, the Judge President of the East African Court of Justice; Prof. John Eudes Ruhangisa, Judge of the High Court of Tanzania and former Registrar of EACJ; Dr. Armin Cuyvers, Assistant Professor of EU Law at Leiden University and Co-Chair of the Leiden Centre for East African Law and Prof. Tom Ottervanger, Proffessor of EU Law at Leiden University and founder of the Leiden Centre for East African Law. Prof. Tom presented the first comprehensive textbook on EAC law to Dr Bukuku, who received it on behalf of the EAC Secretary General.
At the same occasion, Hon. Justice Dr Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, the Judge President of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) applauded the relationship EAC has fostered with the EU, stating that “EAC greatly values the strategic operations of the EU and upholds it as one of its very committed development partners”. “This book is result of a unique collaboration between the East African Court of Justice, the Leiden Centre for East African Law and an exclusive selection of EAC law experts in the different EAC Partner States.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. John Eudes Ruhangisa reflected on the main concerns of legal practitioners across the region and emphasised the need for Partner States to draw a line between supra-nationalism and inter-governmentalism as stipulated in the EAC Treaty.
”It is clear that the law within EAC takes precedence over national laws and hence Partner States should not use their sovereignty to derail the integration agenda”. The former and founder registrar of EACJ also identified different articles within the EAC Treaty that are in contradiction and urged Members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) to make both necessary and sufficient amendments to the EAC Treaty to avoid further misconceptions.
Among the panelists during the discussions were the Chair; Dr. Armin Cuyvers, Prof. Kennedy Gastorn (University of Dar Es Salaam Law School), Leonard Obura Aloo (Lecturer at University of Nairobi), Dr. Khotic C. Kamanga (University of Dar Es Salaam Law School) and Dr. Elvis Mbembe Binda (Lecturer at University of Rwanda).
Discussions centred on the essential questions on the creation of a legal community, the political commitment of the Partner States to the education of the next generation of EAC citizens, among others.
Other participants in attendance included university students mainly pursuing law within the EAC region as well as representatives from Civil Society Organisations, EAC Youth Ambassadors, and the East African Law Society.
The East African Community Secretariat, within the broad mandate of the Secretariat as prescribed under Article 71 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, intends to publish an East African Community Law Journal (Law Journal). Interested authors, willing to engage in discourses on East African Community law and able to abide with the following guidelines, are invited to submit scholarly manuscripts for consideration.
EAC Speakers are optimistic that the operationalization of the East African Parliamentary Institute (EAPI) shall go the mile in building capacities for legislators, Parliamentary staff and other stakeholders in Parliamentary practice and contribute to widening and deepening integration.
The operationalization is expected in the next Financial Year once the EAPI Act, 2011, is gazetted by the EAC Council of Ministers. In addition, the EAC Bureau of Speakers considered a number of key areas deemed to strengthen integration as they held a one day Forum in Arusha, on April 29th, 2016.
In the regard, National legislatures and EALA are to commence on the process of budgeting within the Financial Year 2016/17 with the anticipated launch of the EAPI now in high gear. Under the EAPI Act, 2011, the EAC Speakers form the Board of Trustees and they are expected to act conclusively on where the Institute shall be hosted and advise the Council of Ministers on the same.
At the Bureau meeting, EALA Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega also took over the Chair from the Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, Rt Hon. Job Ndugai. The chair which is rotational is held by the Speaker for a year.
Speaker of the Kenya National Assembly, Rt Hon. Justin Muturi and Speaker of the Senate, Rt Hon. Ekwee Ethuro as well as the President (Speaker) of the Burundi Senate, Rt Hon. Reverien Ndikuriyo attended the Forum. Parliament of Rwanda was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Jean d’Arc Uwamaninpaye while the 2nd Deputy Speaker of the Burundi National Assembly, Hon. Edouard Nduwimana represented the Speaker, Rt Hon. Pascal Nyabenda. The Bureau received the apologies of the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda, Rt Hon. Rebecca Kadaga.
The Bureau of EAC Speakers further amended the Rules of Procedures governing the Forum. With it, the Speakers amended Clause 1.1 of the Rules to include the Speakers and Presidents of the Senate as members of the Forum. In addition, they revised clause 1.2 on definitions deleting the terms “National Assemblies/Parliaments” and substitute thereof with the words “National Legislature however designated” wherever they appear in the Rules.
The meeting also underscored the need of enhancing the functional relations between the National Legislatures and EALA. The National Legislatures have continued to play their oversight role on matters on EAC Affairs in their respective jurisdictions including the need to expedite amendments to the EAC Treaty.
It was agreed thus EALA submits the proposed amendments to the Treaty that it submitted to the EAC Council of Ministers with the National Legislatures. In addition, a workshop of the network of senior Parliamentary Officers is anticipated in the later half of the year.
In his remarks, the Speaker of EALA, Rt Hon. Daniel Fred Kidega reiterated the Bureau’s enormous contribution in strengthening the role of EAC Parliaments in the integration process in line with Article 49 (2) and 65 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC. He extended his appreciation to all Speakers of all the National Legislatures for the support extended to EALA during the Plenary Sittings in the respective Parliaments.
He noted that Parliamentary elections have by and large been democratic, contributing to the consolidation of democracy in EAC.
“I note that in 2015, new Members were elected to the Parliaments of Burundi and Tanzania and in year 2016, citizens of Uganda elected their representatives to the Parliament of Uganda. In the coming year, the Bureau expects citizens of the Republic of Kenya and the Republic of Rwanda to go through the same democratic process of giving their representatives fresh mandate”, Rt Hon. Kidega said.
He informed the Bureau of Speakers that EALA had passed the EAC Elections Act, 2012, which envisages formation of the EAC Elections Board whose functions inter alia include: developing, setting standards and advising Partner States on best electoral practices. The Board’s mandate is to harmonise electoral standards to be adhered to by the National Electoral Commissions, noting that this is a fundamental contribution by EALA towards strengthening electoral processes in the region as a way to consolidating democracy.
Rt Hon. Justin Muturi, Speaker of the Kenya National Assembly said it was vital for Partner States to move towards the alignment of national political activities and trends with regional integration objectives, deepen integration and rapid socio-economic transformation so as to prepare for and ultimately sustain the Political Federation. The Speaker presented an interesting paper on the “Role of the Speaker in maintaining discipline and decorum in the House”.
Speaker of the Senate of Kenya, Rt Hon. Ekwee Ethuro on his part, reiterated need for the African region to address critical issues with regards to elections and their aftermath.
Rt Hon. Ethuro who is also one of the six Vice Presidents of the Geneva-based Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) highlighted that as Kenya was preparing for elections in 2017, it needs to be cognizant of the fact that many crises in the region surround elections.
“Violent acts are becoming instruments of insecurity and therefore, we must confront the challenges being faced by the region. There is need for the region to act as “brothers and sisters” keepers and to help to find lasting solutions”, Rt Hon Ethuro said. The Senate of Kenya Speaker further appealed to the Bureau of Speakers to assist Burundi to foster peace and reconciliation in every possible way.
Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, Rt Hon. Job Ndugai remarked the United Republic of Tanzania was making great strides in its role as an active Member of EAC and EALA and observed that President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H. E. John Magufuli and his Rwanda counterpart, H.E. Paul Kagame, had inaugurated a One Stop Border Post (OSBP) on the 6th April, 2016, which is an important milestone towards facilitating Regional Trade and deepening EAC integration.
President of the Senate of Burundi, Rt Hon. Reverien Ndikuriyo, highlighted concerns orchestrated by international media emanating from a move to reject the candidature of President Pierre Nkurunziza for a third term by the opposition and the civil society were merely perceptions. He said such perceptions had culminated into violence and termed such reports as hype and part of an international conspiracy to destabilize Burundi.
On terrorism, Rt Hon. Ndikuriyo noted with concern the damage and pain inflicted by the atrocious acts to the globe. He asserted Burundi’s position that there were no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ terrorists, and that all such groupings have to be fought ferociously. He thus challenged his EAC counterparts to stand together in solidarity to protect the destiny of the Community.
Deputy Speaker of the Burundi National Assembly, Hon. Edouard Nduwimana noted that Burundi is facing financial challenges due to economic sanctions imposed by the European Union. He appealed to the EAC Partner States to beseech for the lifting of all sanctions. Hon. Nduwimana further affirmed that Burundi was ready to put in place all pieces of legislation required for the success of the EAC integration and to promote Inter-Parliamentary co-operation.
Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Rwanda, Hon. Uwamaninmpaye Jean d’Arc commended the Bureau of Speakers for creating an opportunity for the Parliament to assess the achievements made, share experiences and challenges facing Speakers in their duty.
She noted that Rwanda had made tremendous progress since it joined the EAC in 2007 and the country was already reaping from the benefits of been part of the bloc. She informed the meeting that Rwanda had embarked on a policy to facilitate free movement of people, goods and services by removing all barriers that hindered trade within the region.
The one-day meeting was preceded by a two-day meeting of Clerks which, among other things, reviewed the mandate of the Bureau, discussed modalities of operationalisation of the East African Parliamentary Institute and reviewed several emerging challenges in legislature in the region.
The Bureau of the EAC Speakers is the umbrella body that EALA and the National Assemblies utilise to champion the cause of Parliaments in the region, that of enacting legislation, oversight and representation and plays a key advisory role to the Summit of the EAC Heads of State.
On 25 April 2016, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera handed over the seat of Secretary General to Mr Libérat Mfumukeko.
Mr Libérat Mfumukeko was appointed to the position on 2 March 2016 by the Summit of the EAC Heads of State for a single five-year term. Prior to his appointment as Secretary General, Mr Mfumukeko served the East African Community in the capacity of Deputy Secretary General in charge of Finance and Administration.
Mr Mfumukeko joined the EAC from another position of leadership – Director General, Burundi Water and Electricity Utility (REGIDESO), the last position he held prior to joining the EAC. He has also held the Chairmanship of the Steering Committee of the East African Power Pool (EAPP).
Mr Mfumukeko brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new position, with vast international experience including the establishment of the Burundi Investment Promotion Authority (API) in 2009.
The new Secretary General boasts international, intercultural and linguistic skills, with fluency in French, English, Kirundi, Kiswahili and Russian as well as having worked in France, Russia, USA, DR Congo, Rwanda, Ivory Coast and Cameroon.
