East African Court of Justice Arusha 21st February 2023: The East African Court of Justice President Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera and other Judges received a high level delegation of African Diplomatic Group to learn on the functioning of the Court.
The Delegation led by H.E Gervais Abayeho Ambassador of Burundi and Ag. Dean of African Diplomatic Group appreciated the President for a warm welcome to the Court.
His Lordship the President Hon. Justice Kayobera, in his welcoming remarks said that it’s a grateful honour to receive such a high Delegation and the first of its kind.
Judge President told the Ambassadors that, its a new practice the Judges of the Court to interact with the Public and emphasized that such interaction with the Public can not interfere with the independence of the Court whatsoever.
His Lordship Justice Kayobera further informed their Excellencies the Establishment of the Court under Article 9 of the Treaty and its mandate as provided under Article 23 of the Treaty.
He also explained to the Ambassadors the process of appointment of Judges to the EACJ and that currently the Republic of South Sudan has not yet appointed a Judge to the Appellate Division because it requires the amendment of the Treaty. He added that The Democratic Republic of Congo will soon appoint a Judge to the First Instance and to the Appellate Division when the Treaty is amendment to allow more than 5 Judges on the said Division of the Court.
The President also informed their Excellencies on the direct access to EACJ unlike other Regional Courts that requires exhaustion of local remedies. He said that any resident in any of the East African Community Partner States can file a case on violation of the EAC Treaty.
Justice Kayobera informed the Ambassadors of the developed jurisprudence of the Court over the years, he highlighted on various cases that have contributed to regional jurisprudence. He commended the EAC Partner States for the respect and enforcement of the decisions of the Court.
The Judge President concluded by informing the Delegation on the rotational Court sittings in the Partner States that started in the Republics of Burundi 2021, Uganda in 2022 and in Rwanda this year.
The Ambassadors were very impressed by the great work done by the Court and recommended for more publicity in the region.
In attendance of the meeting were also Judges and Staff of the Court and the Team that was accompanying the Ambassadors.
For more information please contact:
Christine Mutimura - Wekesa, Deputy Registrar,
East African Court of Justice. Tel: 255-27-2162149
Email: cmwekesa@eachq.org
East African Court of Justice
Arusha, Tanzania