The EAC workshop on draft Policy Instruments started in Kigali, Rwanda, yesterday with calls for greater awareness on good governance, rule of law and rights of all EAC citizens. Such initiatives should be all inclusive and take in to consideration perspectives of the public and political will.
The three-day meeting organised by the EAC Secretariat for Members of the East African Legislative Assembly was opened by the Rwanda Minister for EAC Affairs, Hon Monique Mukaruliza. The Minister reiterated the government of Rwanda’s commitment towards promoting its citizen’s rights, rule of law and good governance. She noted that the government was engaged in sensitizing Rwandans on the draft EAC Bill of Rights as well.
”Beginning January, 2011, we have embarked on an ambitious campaign to sensitize all Rwandans in their respective Districts to raise their awareness and make sure that EAC citizens enjoy their freedoms and rights and therefore build confidence and trust in integration agenda” Hon Mukaruliza said.
The Minister however decried the tendency by officers in the Partner States to deny citizens of their full rights and benefits accruing from the Common Market, which she said, contradicted the spirit of integration.
“EAC citizens are sometimes denied the opportunity to enjoy full rights and benefits accruing from the Common Market Protocol under the pretext that some Officers at the border posts are not aware of those rights or have not yet received instructions from their respective capitals. So, we think that is contrary to objectives of the Community and the commitments made by EAC Partner States’, Hon Mukaruliza noted.
The EAC Deputy Secretary General (Political Federation) Hon Beatrice Kiraso noted that for political integration to become a reality there was need for the Partner States to cede some sovereignty and pool the same towards collective sovereignty. Hon Kiraso noted that integration called for and involved the efforts of all key stakeholders and could not be left in the hands of government alone.
”I appeal to EALA to help Partner States understand that integration in any form cannot be left to civil servants. Rather with the implementation of Common Market and Monetary Union, we must see the tedious decision making processes revisited”, she said. Hon Kiraso stated that it was imperative for organs and institutions to be given their due autonomy and for legislation to replace protocols.
In his remarks, Hon Abdulkarim Harelimana, Chairperson, EALA Committee on Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution (RACR) urged the EAC to ensure Partner States fulfill the obligations that enable all citizens access their civil and human rights. Hon Harelimana noted that the nexus between the three-pronged axis of democracy, human rights and the rule of law was recognized globally and to that extent inseparable.
”As a matter of fact, less than five years ago, Heads of State and governments pledged in the Millennium Declaration to spare no effort to promote democracy and to strengthen the rule of law”, Hon Harelimana said.
At the meeting, the EAC Secretariat presented three draft instruments on the Draft Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution Mechanism (CPMR), the EAC Draft Bill of Rights and the EAC Framework on Good Governance. The instruments are in line with the fundamental principles provided for in Article 6 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community as well as Peace and Stability provided for under Articles 123, 124, and 125.
Of the instruments, the Draft Protocol on Good Governance and that of the EAC Bill of Rights have already been subjected to national consultations while CPMR has received input from a wide range of stakeholders. It is hoped that once EALA makes input, the EAC shall have enough material to enable the preparation of a final draft that can then be forwarded to the Council of Ministers. The meeting continues today.
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For More Information contact Bobi Odiko, Senior Public Relations Officer
East African Legislative Assembly. Cell: +255-787-870945 +254-733-718036
Email: BOdiko@eachq.org
