The Speaker
"EALA is a major player in the integration drive. As a political organ, we have to be visible at all times and keep in contact with the people that we represent"
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The East African Community (EAC) is the regional intergovernmental organisation of the Republics of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Rwanda and Republic of Burundi with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. Read More
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| THE 5TH INTER- PARLIAMENTARY RELATIONS SEMINAR FOR EALA AND EAC ASSEMBLIES KICKS OFF IN BURUNDI |
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Burundi counts on EAC Support- President promises free, fair, peaceful and transparent elections East African Legislative Assembly, Bujumbura, Burundi, 28 January 2010: The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in conjunction with National Assemblies of the East African Community (EAC) Partner States today kicked off the start of the 5th Inter- Parliamentary Relations Seminar in Bujumbura,Burundi. The seminar popularly known as the Nanyuki Series was officially opened by H.E Pierre Nkurunziza, President of the Republic of Burundi. In relation to the upcoming election in Burundi, the President affirmed that he will ensure that this years Burundi elections are held in a peaceful and secure environment as the people of Burundi are “so far happy with the preparations put in place and have promised to make the EAC proud by ensuring that Burundi Elections are free, fair and transparent so as to make the country a more viable and active partner of the East African Community.” He made an appeal to the EAC to support initiatives aimed at promoting Burundi in terms financial, material and observer status during this crucial period in Burundi’s history as the country moves to genuine stability. The President congratulated the Rt Honorable Speaker of EALA, Hon Abdirahin Abdi for having Burundi at heart, and successfully organizing the current and previous Nyanyuki seminars that have proved to be a successful meeting point for sharing experiences and discussing issues of great interest to the EAC, which is strongly committed towards regional integration. In his welcoming speech, the Rt Hon Speaker EALA Abdirahin Abdi congratulated His Excellency President Nkurunziza and the Summit for being able to enter into the Common Market Agreement by the year 2010 as had been expected. The three-day seminar is expected to focus on giving regional parliamentarians a deeper insight into the recently signed Common Market Protocol; its prospects, opportunities and challenges. The meeting will also emphasize on the role of the National Assemblies and EALA in the process towards the full implementation of the Protocol. Members of Parliament from each of the EAC Partner States, EALA Members, Ministers for EAC affairs, European Union representatives, EAC Ambassadors to Burundi, Permanent Secretaries, EAC Secretariat Staff and renowned academicians from the region are participating in the seminar. Background Inter-Parliamentary Relations Seminar (Nanyuki) The Inter-Parliamentary Relations Seminar idea was conceived in Nanyuki, Kenya, in 2003 and it was resolved that the important activity be carried out on an annual basis in the respective Partner States. After the Nanyuki Seminar subsequent meetings were held in Kampala, Uganda; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and Kigali, Rwanda respectively. The Inter-Parliamentary Relations Seminar (Nanyuki) is one of the avenues through which the EALA fulfils its mandate under Article 49(2) of the Treaty to specifically liaise with National Assemblies of the EAC Partner States on matters relating to the Community. The idea behind the Nanyuki Series is Four Fold: Firstly, to provide an update to the National Assemblies on the development the EAC as well as challenges and opportunities faced in the implementation of the EAC Treaty. Secondly, to seek view of the National Assemblies on the EAC’s overall strategic direction. Thirdly, to assess the EAC’s legal Framework and what EALA and the National Assemblies can do to enact the necessary legislation for the EAC’s Integration; and lastly to enlist the role of the National Assemblies to mobilize public opinion on regional issues as a means of spurring commonality in Public opinion to foster harmony in the Integration process. Common Market Protocol The EAC Heads of State on the 20 November 2009 signed the Protocol for the establishment of the East African Community Common Market. The Protocol is expected to come into effect on 1 July 2010 following ratification by the five Partner States and will set the stage for the free movement of capital and persons within the region. The Common Market is the second pillar of the EAC integration schedule. The first, a Customs Union, has been in operation since 2005. 
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