Dar pledges to support EACJ

Written by BILHAM KIMATI

Minister for East African Cooperation, Dr Harisson Mwakyembe

THE government has pledged full support to the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) by providing the necessary support to make the integration agenda a priority.

During discussion with President of the EACJ, Justice Dr Emmanuel Ugirashebuja and his delegation at his office yesterday, the Minister for East African Cooperation, Dr Harisson Mwakyembe, said since the integration process is people centred, the court was accessible to any East African citizen to settle disputes that may arise.

However, the minister clarified on the type of application filed in the EACJ insisting that the court was not meant to replace national courts in the respective EAC member states, but rather expand the horizon to deal with intra-regional matters.

"The court will cover disputes related to trade, investment as well as matters associated with the implementation of the Protocols enshrined in the Establishment of East African charter ratified by all five member states," Dr Mwakyembe explained.

Dr Mwakyembe commended the court administration for the establishment of sub-registry within member states, the move that widened the accessibility over the previous operational arrangements from the Arusha headquarters.

The President of the EACJ, Justice Dr Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, supported the minister saying that the court was one among different ways in resolving disputes in the region.

"The court commits to continue working closely with the national courts and the civil societies to ensure justice is rendered to all people in the region and support in addressing the challenges faced by the court," Justice Ugirashebuja explained.

He urged the national judiciary and the civil society organisations to remain supportive to the court in sensitising and creating awareness to the public, especially on how to refer the matters to the regional court for interpretation.

"The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) is a judicial body of EAC with its major role to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation, applicatin and compliance with the Treaty for the establishment of the East African Community (EAC)," he explained.

With inference, it became obvious that more applications are expected following the Nairobi Summit by the EAC Head of States at their 16th Ordinary Summit last month, that extended the jurisdiction of the EACJ. "We (EACJ) are psychologically prepared to handle cases at hand. We have ten competent judges, two from each member state and court sessions.

The wisdom and experience from the past together with dedicatin to the job, the expected load will be dealt with accordingly," Ugirashebuja said.

The Principal Judge (EACJ), Justice Jean Bosco Butasi and the Acting Registrar, Geraldine Umugwaneza observed that more applications were filed during or near elections period.

As for the number of cases filed to the Court, Jusice Butasi said at least 30 cases were pending and Burundi was leading followed by Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya that previously led.

‘’The EACJ will continue working closely with regional courts to share experience and wisdom when addressing legal matters of common interest and push ahead the EAC regional integration agenda,’’ Geraldine insisted.

The delegation was in Dar es Salaam to attend a two-day workshop for Judges of the EACJ, Judges of the High Court of Tanzania and other invited guests who deliberated on the need for enhanced awareness among the citizens about the supra-national institution.

The mission of the EACJ is to contribute to the enjoyment of the benefits of Regional Integration by ensuring adherence to justice rule of law and fundamental rights and freedom through the interpretation and application and compliance with the East African Law.