Regional lawyers have added their voice to the push to have the extension of the jurisdiction of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) in a bid to effectively arbitrate and dispense justice. A delegation of East Africa Law Society led by the body’s President, James Mwamu yesterday paid a courtesy call on the EALA Speaker, Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa to further lobby legislators on the matter.
The EALS President noted that it was vital to have the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC amended as soon as is possible to pave way for the Court to adjudicate on more cases.
“Litigation is key and we feel the EACJ is currently limited in terms of its scope and operations”, Mwamu said.
“In addition to the human rights issues which interests EALS, the EAC has recently discovered quite some resources including oil and gas and naturally litigation is expected at some point as we advance integration”, he added.
The EALA Speaker concurred with the regional lawyers’ body officials remarking that the EACJ deserved more mandate as the integration process deepens. In attendance were Stephen Musisi, Vice President of EALS, Ruth Sebatindira, President of the Uganda Law Society and top officials of the EALS and ULS Secretariats.
On matters of Human Rights and democracy, the EALA Speaker lauded the EALS for their commitment to the ideals of Rule of Law. Speaker Zziwa maintained that the Partner States were committed to the integration process. “The matter of Coalition of the Willing that drew us for a better part of last year was a creation of the media”, she said.
“The integration process allows for bilateral discussions between Partner States and this is normal. We as an Assembly are in support of a unified region”, Rt. Hon Zziwa added.At the moment, the EACJ has initial jurisdiction over the application and interpretation of the Treaty as prescribed under Article 27.
In April 2012, EALA passed a Resolution seeking the Council of Ministers to implore the International Criminal Court (ICC) to transfer the cases of the Kenyans facing trial in respect of the aftermath of the 2007 General Elections to the Arusha based court.
The Resolution (then) moved by Hon Dan Wandera Ogalo further appealed to the Summit of EAC Heads of State to make amendments to Article 27 of the Treaty and to give retrospective effect to the jurisdiction.
The EALS is the apex regional body of lawyers in the EAC with a membership of over 15,000. EALS is the largest Professional organization in East Africa, with a specific focus on the professional development of its members as well as promotion of constitutionalism, democracy and good governance, the rule of law and the advancement, promotion and protection of human rights of all people in East Africa and beyond.
Ends
For more information, contact
Bobi Odiko,
Senior Public Relations Officer,
East African Legislative Assembly,
Tel: Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036.
Email: Bodiko@eachq.org
