I welcome you all to this press briefing which is convened to notify you that the 1st Meeting of the 4th Session of the Second East African Legislative Assembly will take place in the Chambers of the National Assembly of Burundi from 13th – 24th September 2010. While the Seat of the Assembly is in Arusha - Tanzania, Meetings of the Assembly have frequently been held in all the Partner States as per the Provisions of Article 55 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
On behalf of the Assembly and my own behalf, I take this opportunity to congratulate H.E. President Pierre Nkurunziza on his re-election as the President of the Republic of Burundi. The Assembly is also particularly grateful to H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza for having kindly accepted to address the Assembly on Tuesday 14th September, 2010 at 2.30 p.m. I would also like to congratulate Hon. Pie Ntavyohanyuma for his re-election as the Speaker of the National Assembly; and to thank him for accepting to host the Assembly in the Parliament of the Republic of Burundi.
The Assembly has resolved to hold its 1st Meeting of the 4th Session in this beautiful city of Bujumbura in order to give its Members an opportunity to interact with the citizens of Burundi and to share experiences with the political leadership of this country especially following the recent electoral processes that took place here.
On behalf of the EAC Observer Mission that was in Burundi during the election period, I wish to convey much appreciation for the support the team was accorded during their stay here and to hail the people of Burundi for fostering a peaceful environment during the election period and for ensuring that democratic governance in Burundi continues to become a norm.
The deployment of the EAC Observer Mission to monitor the elections was conducted within the context of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC which provides for ‘..adherence to universally acceptable principles of good governance, democracy, the rule of law, observance of human rights and social justice”. Furthermore, the EAC Partner States have agreed under Article 123 to cooperate in the specified areas for the purpose of achieving the objectives of the Community as provided for under Article 5 of
the Treaty.
During the two-week stay, the Assembly will conduct its Plenary and Committee Sessions. Notable business for consideration will include:
• Address by H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza;
• Swearing in of Hon. Professor Hellen Sambili, Minister EAC Kenya
• Debate and adoption of the report of the Committee on Accounts on the audited financial Statements of EAC for the year ending 30th June, 2009
• 2nd and 3rd Reading: EAC Elections Bill
• 2nd and 3rd Reading: EAC Service Commission Bill
• Reconsideration of CASSOA Bill
• An Interactive Session, with newly elected Members of the Burundi National Assembly.
The Assembly has taken center stage in the integration process by providing the required legislative framework and oversight to ensure the integration agenda remains on track. At the center stage of its legislative action has been the involvement of the people of East Africa in the legislative process. As such, the Assembly has and will continue to involve the citizens of East Africa through Public Hearing Workshops in all major legislations.
It is important to note that the laws enacted by the EAC have the full force of law and take precedent over similar laws in the Partner States on matters related to the Community. In addition to passing legislation, the Assembly has adopted several resolutions and reports relating to the developments in the Community.
RT. HON. ABDIRAHIN H. ABDI
SPEAKER – EAST AFRICAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
12th September, 2010
