Kigali is to play host to the 8th Inter-Parliamentary Relations Seminar (Nanyuki Series), scheduled for October 31st to November, 1st 2014. The seminar is organized by EALA in conjunction with the Association of European Parliamentarians with Africa (AWEPA).
The Seminar themed: "Insecurity and Terrorism as Threats to EAC Integration: How Can EAC Develop a Common Position" brings together an estimated 250 participants drawn from Partner States National Assemblies, EALA, academicians, high ranking Government officials as well as other regional stakeholders.
The seminar is to be facilitated by high profile speakers from within and beyond the East African Community region who will make presentations and spur discussions on the status of the EAC economy, status of security in the EAC region and the role of Parliamentarians and other stakeholders in ensuring regional peace and security in the EAC sub-region.
Partner States agree that peace and security are pre-requisites to socio and economic development within the Community and vital to the achievement of the Objectives of the Community (see Article 5 (3) (f)).
In this regard, the Partner States agree under Article 125 to foster and maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to peace and security through co-operation and consultations with a view to prevention, better management and resolution of disputes and conflicts between them. The Treaty further emphasises close co-operation in defense affairs. The EAC has also signed the Protocol on Peace and Security and the protocol is currently undergoing ratification in the Partner States.
The seminar takes place against a background of efforts to contain the heightened insecurity in the region. In the latest attack last year, Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi was hit by perceived terrorists who killed 70 people, injured hundreds and destroyed property worth millions of shillings.
The seminar aims at promoting functional relations between EALA and the National Assemblies as envisaged in Article 49 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC. The issues for discussion will lead to proposals aimed at resolving the challenges that afflict the quality of life of the East African people and opportunities that are in place. It is through this forum that EALA briefs the Members of National Parliaments on the progress made in the integration process of EAC and the role of EALA in that process.
It is anticipated that Members of the National Assemblies will be provided with an opportunity to appreciate the progress made so far in the EAC integration process and therefore the issues discussed will subsequently find their way to be agendas for National Assemblies.
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