Kidega appeals to EAC over terrorism

Jan 27, 2016

“EALA would like to see the EAC find permanent solution(s) to the despicable acts of terrorism,” Kidega said.



THE Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly, Dan Kidega has urged the East African Community (EAC) to find a permanent solution to the dreadful acts of terrorism.

He condemned in strongest terms the January 15, 2016 attack on the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) camp in El Adde, Somalia by al Shabaab terrorists.

"EALA would like to see the EAC find permanent solution(s) to the despicable acts of terrorism," Kidega said at a media briefing in Arusha on Monday.

The briefing was about the ongoing Assembly sitting which ends February 5, 2016 in Arusha.

Kidega expressed solidarity with families of the dead, missing and injured KDF Soldiers.

"The Assembly also urges the International community to equally stand with Kenya in both word and action against these evil forces and in the war against terror. It should be remembered that the Republic of Kenya is yet to recover from the effects of last year's attack by the al-Shabaab on the Garissa University," he noted.

He commended the Government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania for turning out and peacefully participating in the electoral process during the Presidential and Parliamentary elections on October 25, 2015, but appealed for speedy conclusion of the pending elections in Zanzibar.

He further commended the Government and people of the Republic of Rwanda for the successful constitutional referendum held on December 18, 2015.

As EALA has done in all elections in the region, the Speaker noted that they will deploy an Elections Observation Mission for the forthcoming general elections in Uganda.

During the sitting, the Assembly is to consider the EAC Disaster Risk Reduction Bill, 2013, which provides for a regional framework for timely intervention in disaster situations and to protect the people and the natural environment affected by disaster through comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management.

It will also consider reports arising from various petitions forwarded to the Assembly.

"Petitions are one of the ways by which the Assembly enhances collaboration with the citizens of the great region.  As an Assembly, we are vigilant and extremely keen to be at the forefront in offering solutions to the people," Kidega said.

Over the last few months, the Assembly received petitions from various EAC Stakeholders for consideration. They included a petition from the EAC Youth Ambassadors Platform urging the Council of Ministers to advocate for the establishment of the East African Youth Council that will leverage representation of all youth activities at the EAC.

 Also a petition was forwarded by the East African Trade Union Confederation (EATUC) and East African Employers Association (EAEO) calling for streamlining of workers and residence permits in line with the implementation of the Common Market Protocol.

 In November 2015, the Continental Lawyers' body - Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) and five other regional Civil Society Organisations also petitioned the Assembly on the human rights situation in Burundi.

Kidega said the Assembly is also keen to see speedy operationalization of the Community Laws within the Partner States so as to fortify the integration process.

"We shall continue to consult with our National Assemblies in the Partner States as envisaged under Article 65 of the EAC Treaty and with the Council of Ministers to ensure municipal laws are amended to conform to our regional legislation on matters of purview within the EAC."                                     

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