Bunge la EALA : EALA Speaker Calls on President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi

The Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon Daniel Kidega this morning paid a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Burundi, H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza at the Presidency in Bujumbura.

The President reiterated that Burundi was committed to the integration process and urged the Assembly to steady its mandate as it continues in its quest to serve East Africans President Nkurunziza remarked that the citizens of the region had continued to reap from the benefits of integration and added the Summit of the EAC Heads of State was very keen to see all its directives implemented.

President Pierre Nkurunziza welcomes the Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Daniel Kidega

 H.E. Nkurunziza cited the example of the alternative funding mechanism which he noted once implemented, would contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Community. The Head of State further applauded EALA for its role in sensitization and outreach saying the decision by the leadership to reach out to various stakeholders on the sidelines of its Plenary meeting in Bujumbura was laudable.

He remarked that the country was approaching elections and that the government would adhere to the principle of democracy and constitutionalism. On his part, the Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Daniel Kidega congratulated the President for steering Burundi to the path of development and expressed solidarity with the citizens of Burundi as they prepare for the forthcoming general elections.

President Pierre Nkurunziza exchanges notes with the Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon Daniel F. Kidega

 The Speaker remarked that it was vital for the country to remain calm, and peaceful as it approaches the electioneering period. The Speaker further hailed the Summit of EAC Heads of State for steering the region progressively.  He said the EAC was witnessing an interesting period coupled with notable progress across all sectors. 

 “The pillars of integration remain on course despite the challenges.  But there is goodwill across board”, Rt Hon Kidega said. The Speaker remarked that EALA would continue to play its part in the integration dispensation and assured the President the Assembly would remain independent, and true to the ideals of East Africans.  The Speaker briefed the President on the leadership challenges that EALA grappled with last year and said the Assembly was now stronger and more united.

He reiterated that regional legislature had among other things, earmarked re-branding and the speedy tackling of the backlog of pending work as some of its priorities. At our last Sitting in Arusha in January 2015, we passed 2 key bills while another six sailed through the first reading.

  A number of resolutions and reports were also debated and adopted.  We shall continue with this spirit in Bujumbura. We are on the run as an Assembly, and there is no looking back for now,” Speaker Kidega said.

Rt Hon Kidega termed the Bill on the Elimination of the Non-Tariff Barriers as key towards fostering free movement and said the Assembly would embark on the processes of debate and eventual passage.   The Bill was one of the six that sailed through the First reading in Arusha in January, 2015.

Present at the occasion was EALA Member and the Chair of the Burundi Chapter, Hon Hafsa Mossi.EALA shall commence its 5th Meeting of the 3rd Session of the 3rd Assembly on Monday next week.   President Pierre Nkurunziza is expected to address a special sitting of the Assembly on Tuesday, March 17, 2015.