East African Legislative Assembly, Arusha, Tanzania: 19th November, 2018: East African Legislative Assembly over the weekend hosted the inaugural EAC Youth Parliament in Arusha, Tanzania. Over 100 “legislators” from the Partner States attended and participated in key deliberations on matters pertinent to youth issues.
The Youth Parliament was opened by Hon Josephine Lemoyaan on behalf of the EALA Speaker, Rt Hon Ngoga Karoli Martin. The participants also presented a petition to the EALA Speaker. In their prayers, the Youth who coalesce around a coalition group from across the region advocating for the domestication and ratification of the African Charter on democracy and elections in East Africa, are calling on Partner States that are yet to ratify, domesticate and implement the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance to immediately do so. The delegates also state that a key objective of the African Youth Charter is to ensure the constructive involvement of Youth in the development agenda of Africa and their effective participation in the debates and decision-making processes in the development of the continent. In addition, the youth in their petition are calling for the process of establishment of the Regional Youth Council to be expedited. On the other side of the coin, the youth further urged Partner States that are yet to establish the National Youth Councils to similarly do so as a precursor to the establishment of the regional youth council.
The Motion further avers that the process of harmonization of regional tax policies and protocols is key and should be fast-tracked.
Under Article 120 (c) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, the Partner States undertake to closely co-operate amongst themselves in the field of social welfare. The development and adoption of a common approach towards disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including children, the youth, the elderly and persons with disabilities through rehabilitation and provision of, among others, foster homes, healthcare, education and training.
It is further provided in priority fourteen of the East African Youth policy that an annual youth leader’s forum should be instituted with the EAC Secretary General as a regional platform for youth engagement with the EAC leadership. These mandates Partner States and the EAC Secretariat to build networks and partnerships.
The day-long proceedings saw the House debate the petition divided and presented in to 6 Motions. The Motions were moved by the following Members; Shamim Naggayi, Prosper Mubangizi and Sam Ogwal. The Assembly in the morning elected Lilian Aber as the Speaker while Abdul Lugome presided over the afternoon session.
Earlier on while delivering her remarks, EALA Member Hon Lemoyaan called on the Youth to embrace change in mindset in their approaches to socio-economic development.
“I need to encourage you to add one aspect to your safe spaces– and that is the often ignored – but all too important matter of “space of the mind”. We definitely need a safe mental space; by changing our mindset”, Hon Lemoyaan said. “We must at all times transcend the nationalistic tendencies and think regional in our approach to issues so we are strong advocates and champions of the integration process”, the legislator added. Hon Lemoyaan reiterated EALA’s continued willingness to work with youth.
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For more information, contact
Bobi Odiko,
Senior Public Relations Officer,
East African Legislative Assembly,
P.O. Box 1096, Arusha, Tanzania.
Cell. +255-787-870945
Email: BOdiko@eachq.org.
Web: www.eala.org
