East African Court of Justice, Arusha, Tanzania, 8th November 2024: The Solicitor General of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Ally Possi, paid a courtesy visit to the Judge President of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera.
The visit aimed to strengthen relations between the EACJ and the Office of the Solicitor General. Key areas of discussion included opportunities for collaboration, particularly in building the capacity of State Attorneys through training on EACJ rules of procedure and East African Community laws. They also explored ways to benchmark Court digitalization and case management systems.
In his remarks Hon. Possi highlighted the significance of equipping State Attorneys with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively engage in East African integration matters and navigate the Court’s jurisdiction and procedures. As part of this effort, he proposed externship attachments at the EACJ to provide practical experience.
The Solicitor General emphasized that his visit was not solely motivated by the Court’s location in Arusha or pending cases involving Tanzania. Instead, it reflected the ongoing support that the Office of the Solicitor General and the Attorney General extend to the Court. He underscored the importance of a strong and effective EACJ in promoting economic regional integration and expressed his office’s commitment to contributing to the development of the Court’s jurisprudence. Hon. Possi also inquired about the current status of the ratification of the Protocol that would extend the Court’s jurisdiction to cover trade and investment matters.
On his part, the Judge President Justice Nestor Kayobera congratulated Hon. Possi on his recent appointment, as well as the Attorney General of the United Republic of Tanzania, recognizing both as key stakeholders of the Court. His Lordship addressed the growing backlog of cases at the EACJ, which has been aggravated by delayed financial contributions from some Partner States. He expressed concern that suspending sessions for the ad hoc Court hampers its efficiency and voiced hope that the Solicitor General would act as an ambassador for the Court.
The Judge President lauded Tanzania’s State Attorneys for their diligence in preparing and presenting cases, noting their strong familiarity with Community laws, which significantly inform the Court’s judgments and enrich its jurisprudence. He expressed the EACJ’s willingness to collaborate in enhancing the legal capacity of State Attorneys. Additionally, he recommended the establishment of a dedicated unit within the Office of the Solicitor General focused on regional integration matters, similar to structures in Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Justice Kayobera reaffirmed the EACJ’s commitment to upholding the East African Community’s integration agenda. He highlighted the Court’s independence and its role in ensuring adherence to the Treaty and Community laws. “Over its twenty-three years of operation, the EACJ has developed a body of jurisprudence that serves as a guide for decision-making,” he stated.
Principal Judge Justice Yohane Masara also extended his appreciation for the Solicitor General’s engagement with the Court and acknowledged his extensive writings on EAC matters which demonstrates great interest in the Court.
About the EACJ
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the Organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. The Court was established in November 2001, its key mandate is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty. Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the capitals of the following Partner States: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and United Republic of Tanzania.
For more information please contact:
Christine Mutimura
Deputy Registrar,
East African Court of Justice.
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: 255-27-2162149
Email: cmwekesa@eachq.org