ADMISSION OF BURUNDI AND RWANDA IN THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY ENDORSED AT THE ARUSHA SUMMMIT.

12/01/2006
GRANTS WECHE MOKADHO AGAJA KUYO BARUPE WECHE DONGRUOK MBAKA NONRO JEXJALUO NGECHE LUO GI GWENG' THUM TEDO LUO KITGI GI TIMBEGI SIGENDNI LUO THUOND WECHE ;	ADMISSION OF BURUNDI AND RWANDA IN THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY ENDORSED AT THE ARUSHA SUMMMIT. By Leo Odera Omolo in Arusha.30^th November 2006 The summit was attended by the following: · H.E. President Mwai Kibaki, President Of The Republic Of Kenya And Chairperson Of The Eac Summit Of Heads Of State H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President Of The United Republic Of Tanzania H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President Of The Republic Of Uganda H.E Paul Kagame, President Of The Republic Of Rwanda H.E. Pierre Nkurunziza, President Of The Republic Of Burundi H.E. Amani Abeid Karume, President Of Zanzibar OPENING CEREMONY The Secretary General, Amb. Juma V. Mwapachu delivered welcoming remarks which highlighted the following: The need for the EAC to explore ways and means to realize self reliance in financing projects and programmes. The necessity to develop closer collaboration and cooperation between the EAC and SADC and COMESA especially in harmonization of policy on trade and development issues. The need to rebrand the EAC and improve its image and identity. Developments in improving EAC's institutional capacity to discharge its responsibility. The Chairperson of the Council, Hon. John arap Koech tabled the Community's report covering the period 30^th March to 29^th November 2006. The Report covered the following salient features: Developments in the integration process covering all the sectors. Progress report on the work of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission. Status of the National Consultative process on fast tracking political federation. High Level Negotiations with Rwanda and Burundi . Finalization of the 3^rd EAC Development Strategy. Review of the EAC Organizational Structure and improved terms and conditions of service of staff. The Chairperson of the Summit , H.E. President Mwai Kibaki in his statement outlined the following: The historic appointment of Ministers solely responsible for EAC Affairs. The commendable role played by the 1^st East African Legislative Assembly ( EALA ) and the role of the East African Court of Justice ( EACJ ). The consolidation of the Customs Union and the intensification of regional projects and programmes. The need to further build the capacity of the EAC Secretariat to improve performance. Creation of deeper awareness by the East African people of the strategic issues involved in East African integration. The launch of the 3^rd EAC Development Strategy and its importance in moving the EAC from a Customs Union to a Common Market. The urgency for the EAC to put in place a development fund for financing EAC projects and programmes on a sustainable basis. After the formal opening ceremony the Summit then: NOTED WITH SATISFACTION AND ADOPTED THE REPORT OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS FOR THE PERIOD 30^TH MARCH TO 29^TH NOVEMBER 2006. DEVELOPMENTS IN THE INTEGRATION PROCESS APPROVED RESTROPECTIVELY , pursuant to Article 42 of the Protocol on the Establishment of the East African Customs Union, the amendments made to the EAC Common External Tariff contained in the EAC Gazette volume 81-No 004 of 15^th September 2005 and Volume 81-No 003 of 30^th June 2006. NOTED with satisfaction the successful implementation of the first round of tariff reduction by Tanzania and Uganda to affected goods originating from Kenya effective 1^st January 2006. FURTHER NOTED the commencement of the second round of tariff reduction effective 1^st January 2007. APPROVED the recommendation of the Council to sustain the preferential tariff treatment for goods originating from COMESA and SADC countries by the instrument proposed by the Council of Ministers pending the amendment of the East African Customs Management Act, 2004. NOTED the satisfactory increase in the total volume of intra-EAC trade between 2002 and 2005. APPRECIATED in particular the 21.17% growth in trade between 2004 and 2005. The growth is from US$1,517.88 million in 2004 to US$1,839.23 million in 2005. Total intra-EAC trade as a percentage of total EAC trade remained at around 11% between 2002 and 2005. COMMENDED the Secretariat for finalization and adoption of the Customs Management Regulations which will improve the operationalization of the EAC Customs Law. URGED the Partner States to expeditiously establish national monitoring committees responsible for removal of NTBs at national level. COMMENDED the Secretariat for its collaboration with the EABC in developing simplified guidelines and publicity materials for use in implementing the removal of NTBs at regional and national level. NOTED with satisfaction the approval of a Programme on "Trade Capacity-Building in Agro-Industry Products" for the establishment and proof of EAC compliance with international market requirements to the tune of US$ 2,328,800 million over 3 years funded by NORAD and UNIDO. The Programme will commence in December 2006. FURTHER COMMENDED the Council for adopting an EAC Customs Flag. HIGHLY COMMENDED the Partner States and the Secretariat for the successful trade policy review meeting with the WTO held in Geneva in October 2006. APPLAUDED the Secretariat for the initiatives taken to harmonize trade and development arrangements with COMESA and SADC and DIRECTED that the collaboration with the two sister regional economic organizations be reinforced. COMMENDED the Chief Executive Officers of EAC/COMESA/SADC for their commitment in deepening this tripartite cooperation. NOTED the satisfactory progress being made in extending the preferential tariff treatment accorded to COMESA and SADC by the Partner States to 31^st December 2008. DIRECTED the Secretariat to urgently finalise the EAC Industrialization Strategy which would assist in consolidating the Customs Union. NOTED that a firm of Consultants has been retained to undertake the EAC Common Market Study. CALLED UPON the Partner States to align their investment legislation to fit the EAC Model Investment Code. APPLAUDED the Partner States and the Secretariat for the finalization and adoption of the Private Sector Development Strategy and DIRECTED the immediate implementation of the Strategy. DIRECTED the Secretariat to coordinate with the East African Business Council and the Commonwealth Business Council preparation of a well planned programme for holding a successful Commonwealth Business Forum during the Commonwealth Heads of State and Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kampala in November 2007. NOTED the finalization of the Study on EAC monetary integration and DIRECTED Partner States to give their comments on the Study by March 2007. NOTED the adoption by the Council and the signing of the instruments with respect to Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy and Agriculture and Rural Development Policy. NOTED with satisfaction the current status of the construction of the Arusha-Namanga-Athi River Road . FURTHER THANKED the African Development Bank for the grant of US$5.5 million to support the feasibility and design study of the Arusha-Holili-Taveta-Voi Road and investment preparations for the Tanga-Horohoro-Malindi road as well as for the civil engineering capacity building in the EAC. NOTED the Council decision to establish the East African Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASOSA) to be funded by the Civil Aviation and Airport Authorities of the Partner States. NOTED the commencement of the technical and feasibility study on the establishment of the Unified Upper Flight Information Region (Common air space). THANKED the US Trade Development Agency for funding the study to the tune of US$ 556,000. CALLED upon the Partner States to work towards an early realization of broadband infrastructure network in the region under the EASSy programme. NOTED with satisfaction the approval of the regional framework for E-Government in the East African Community. URGED the Partner States to set aside adequate resources to effectively support the meteorological services in order to invest in infrastructure that will facilitate factoring weather and climate changes in development planning. NOTED the implementation plan for the East African Power Master Plan. NOTED FURTHER the importance of fast tracking the plan in the light of the acute energy crisis facing the Partner States. URGED the Partner States to accord high priority to the mobilization of resources and implementation of the Regional Strategy on Scaling Up Access to Modern Energy Services. CALLED upon the Secretariat to ensure a successful third Conference on Petroleum Potential and Investment Opportunities in East Africa to be held in Arusha in March 2007. URGED Partner States to ratify the EAC Protocol on Environment and Natural Resources Management as soon as possible. COMMENDED the Partner States for promoting East Africa as a single tourist destination in international tourism fairs. WELCOMED the final ratification by Kenya of the Protocol on the Establishment of the Inter University Council for East Africa . DIRECTED the Secretariat to ensure that the EAC Anthem is presented to the 4^th Extraordinary Summit in April 2007. NOTED the progress made towards the establishment of the East Africa Kiswahili Council. DIRECTED the Secretariat to fast track the finalization of the Protocol. NOTED with satisfaction the decision of the UNESCO Executive Board at its 175^th Session to conclude a Cooperation Framework Agreement with the EAC. FURTHER NOTED the development of the Draft Protocol for the Establishment of the East African Science and Technology Council. DIRECTED the Secretariat to speed up the adoption of the Protocol. NOTED with satisfaction the drafting of a Protocol for the Establishment of the East African Health Research Council. DIRECTED the Secretariat to finalize the protocol by April 2007. COMMENDED the Government of Uganda for agreeing to host the 1^st EAC Annual Health and Scientific Conference from 28^th to 30^th March 2007 in Kampala . COMMENDED the Partner States and the Secretariat for the adoption of the Regional Framework on Gender and Community Development. COMMENDED the Governments of Kenya and Uganda for adopting a Plan of Action to curb cattle rustling. REITERATED the need to enforce the Nairobi Protocol on combating the proliferation of illegal small arms and light weapons with the collaboration of IGAD and AU. ENDORSED the Council recommendation to establish an EAC Liaison Office at the AU Headquarters pursuant to an EU funded project to build the capacity of the AU to better coordinate cooperation in peace and security matters on the continent. FURTHER NOTED progress made towards putting in place a Protocol on EAC Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism. EAC ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE AND CAPACITY BUILDING NOTED the decision of the Council to review the Organization Structure and Staffing of the Community as well as the enhancement of the emoluments of staff. APPROVED the recommendations of the Council to enhance the emoluments of the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretaries General. NOTED with satisfaction the enhanced cooperation between the development partners and the East African Community culminating in the launch of the EAC Partnership Fund. DEEPLY APPRECIATED the role the development partners are playing in promoting EAC's capacity building and implementing development programmes. DIRECTED the Secretariat to speed up the process leading towards the establishment of the EAC Development Fund to assure the EAC of sustainable sources for funding its activities. LAKE VICTORIA BASIN COMMISSION NOTED progress made in moving the Secretariat of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission to Kisumu , Kenya . APPRECIATED the support of DFID of UK in gifting the EAC a Research Vessel named "RV Jumuiya". DIRECTED the Commission to maximize the use of the vessel for improving navigation on the lake and for undertaking a hydrographic survey of the Lake as well as real time meteorological surveillance. COMMENDED the Secretariat for the establishment of the Lake Victoria Basin Information Resource Centre which will enhance access and retrieval of scientific information on the Lake Victoria and its basin APPLAUDED the conclusion of an MOU between the EAC and the Nile Basin Initiative on cooperation on Sustainable Development on the Lake VictoriaBasin . NOTED with satisfaction the preparation of the second phase of the Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project (LVEMP-II) undertaken by the Partner States along with Rwanda and Burundi . WELCOMED the Lake Victoria Commission - UN Habitat joint project on water and sanitation in urban growth centres within the Lake VictoriaBasin . CONSULTATIVE PROCESS ON EAST AFRICAN FEDERATION COMMENDED the Secretariat and the Partner States for the well organized launch programmes of the Consultative Process on Fast Tracking East African Federation. DIRECTED the Council to make available to the EAC Secretariat adequate funds from EAC's reserve funds for financing the printing of adequate copies of the Wako Report and for printing of leaflets and pamphlets to be used in informing and sensitizing the East African citizenry on the core issues involved in the debate on Political Federation. DIRECTED the National Consultative Committees to pursue their work diligently in fulfilling performance time lines. PUBLICITY AND MARKETING OF THE EAC NOTED efforts being taken by the Secretariat to re-brand the EAC in order to improve its image and identity. DIRECTED the Secretariat that effective outreach programmes be implemented to bring the EAC closer to the hearts and minds of the East African people. LAUNCH OF THE THIRD EAC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY COMMENDED the Secretariat and the Partner States for finalizing the 3^rd EAC Development Strategy 2006-2010. APPROVED the adoption of the Development Strategy. DIRECTED the Secretariat to draw effective plans to ensure successful implementation of the Strategy. ACTIVITIES OF EAC ORGANS AND INSTITUTIONS NOTED the expiry of the inaugural East African Legislative Assembly( EALA ) on 29^th November 2006. COMMENDED the inaugural East African Legislative Assembly for an excellent path breaking role and performance. ENDORSED the recommendation of the Council of Ministers to reconstitute the East African Court of Justice by establishing two divisions, namely a Court of First Instance with jurisdiction as per present Article 23 of the Treaty and an Appellate Division with appellate powers over the Court of First Instance. DIRECTED that the procedure for the removal of Judges from office provided in the Treaty be reviewed with a view to including all possible reasons for removal other than those provided in the Treaty. DIRECTED that a special Summit be convened very soon to consider and to pronounce itself on the proposed amendments of the Treaty in this regard. NOTED with appreciation the completion of the analysis of data from the Frame survey (fisheries census) conducted in March 2006. NOTED the increasing number of fishers on Lake Victoria with the fishery yield in 2005 totalling about 800,000 metric tones valued at US$ 340 million. COMMENDED the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO) for its work in promoting sustainable utilization and optimal socio-economic benefits from the fisheries resources of Lake Victoria . COMMENDED the Inter University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) for hosting and empowering biotechnology and biodiversity research programmes centred on Lake Victoria and its basin with productive output on food security, sustainable environment management and productive agro industries. APPLAUDED the Inter University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) for running the East African Varsity-Net Project which, through ICT solutions, enhances the role of East African Universities as centres of excellence. NOTED with satisfaction the report of the East African Development Bank (EADB) pursuant to the Summit 's directive spelling out concrete proposals on how it could transform itself into a lead agency for promoting East African regional integration. DIRECTED the Partner States to ensure that resources are mobilized to enable the proposed financial vehicles to be established and put into operation as soon as possible. FURTHER DIRECTED that the Council reports progress taken at the Extraordinary Summit in April, 2007. EXPRESSED serious concern on the continuing legal saga between the Bank and Blue Line Enterprises in the High Court in Dar-es-Salaam. CALLED UPON the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to assist in having the case concluded expeditiously. NEGOTIATIONS ON ADMISSION OF RWANDA AND BURUNDI NOTED the successful negotiations at the Ministerial levels and recommendation of the Council for the admission of Rwanda and Burundi into the East African Community. DECIDED to admit the Republic of Rwanda and Burundi as full Members of the East African Community. DECIDED FURTHER that admission will be effective from 1^st July 2007 after Rwanda and Burundi have concluded an Accession Treaty which has a six months' time frame. DIRECTED the EAC Secretariat to work out with Rwanda and Burundi the smooth operationalization of membership accession. SCHEDULE OF SUMMIT MEETINGS NOTED and APPROVED the scheduling of the Extraordinary Summit Meeting in Arusha on 19^th April 2007 and the Working Summit Meeting to be held in Arusha from 9^th - 10^th July, 2007. Ends leooderaomolo@yahoo.com The writer is LUOCOME REPORTER based in Kisumu. We urge all LUOCOME members with pressing issues pertaining to media and press releases to kindly contact him from any where in world. He will assist you to get true picture of your Village Developement. LUOCOME-MEDIA Joluo.com Ka in gi mari moro ma di wandik ka to orni Akelo nyar Kager, jaluo@jaluo.com Daher winjo dwondi in bende, iwinjo?	IDWARO TICH? Inyalo oro twak kod weche manyien ne: Mig. Ajos wuod Atiga WuonAbila@jaluo.com GALAMORO : Riwruok mar JOLUO e Piny Ngima, orwaku uduto mondo ubed e kanyakla mar burani. Ornwa nyingi gi nondi kaka obedo. Riwruok e teko joka Nyanam. WENDO MIWA PARO OD PAKRUOK

ADMISSION OF BURUNDI AND RWANDA IN THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY ENDORSED AT THE ARUSHA SUMMMIT.

By Leo Odera Omolo in Arusha.30^th November 2006

The summit was attended by the following:

· H.E. President Mwai Kibaki, President Of The Republic Of Kenya And Chairperson Of The Eac Summit Of Heads Of State

OPENING CEREMONY

The Secretary General, Amb. Juma V. Mwapachu delivered welcoming remarks which highlighted the following:

The Chairperson of the Council, Hon. John arap Koech tabled the Community's report covering the period 30^th March to 29^th November 2006. The Report covered the following salient features:

The Chairperson of the Summit , H.E. President Mwai Kibaki in his statement outlined the following:

After the formal opening ceremony the Summit then:

NOTED WITH SATISFACTION AND ADOPTED THE REPORT OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS FOR THE PERIOD 30^TH MARCH TO 29^TH NOVEMBER 2006.

DEVELOPMENTS IN THE INTEGRATION PROCESS

APPROVED RESTROPECTIVELY , pursuant to Article 42 of the Protocol on the Establishment of the East African Customs Union, the amendments made to the EAC Common External Tariff contained in the EAC Gazette volume 81-No 004 of 15^th September 2005 and Volume 81-No 003 of 30^th June 2006.

NOTED with satisfaction the successful implementation of the first round of tariff reduction by Tanzania and Uganda to affected goods originating from Kenya effective 1^st January 2006.

FURTHER NOTED the commencement of the second round of tariff reduction effective 1^st January 2007.

APPROVED the recommendation of the Council to sustain the preferential tariff treatment for goods originating from COMESA and SADC countries by the instrument proposed by the Council of Ministers pending the amendment of the East African Customs Management Act, 2004.

NOTED the satisfactory increase in the total volume of intra-EAC trade between 2002 and 2005.

APPRECIATED in particular the 21.17% growth in trade between 2004 and 2005. The growth is from US$1,517.88 million in 2004 to US$1,839.23 million in 2005. Total intra-EAC trade as a percentage of total EAC trade remained at around 11% between 2002 and 2005.

COMMENDED the Secretariat for finalization and adoption of the Customs Management Regulations which will improve the operationalization of the EAC Customs Law.

URGED the Partner States to expeditiously establish national monitoring committees responsible for removal of NTBs at national level.

COMMENDED the Secretariat for its collaboration with the EABC in developing simplified guidelines and publicity materials for use in implementing the removal of NTBs at regional and national level.

NOTED with satisfaction the approval of a Programme on "Trade Capacity-Building in Agro-Industry Products" for the establishment and proof of EAC compliance with international market requirements to the tune of US$ 2,328,800 million over 3 years funded by NORAD and UNIDO. The Programme will commence in December 2006.

FURTHER COMMENDED the Council for adopting an EAC Customs Flag.

HIGHLY COMMENDED the Partner States and the Secretariat for the successful trade policy review meeting with the WTO held in Geneva in October 2006.

APPLAUDED the Secretariat for the initiatives taken to harmonize trade and development arrangements with COMESA and SADC and DIRECTED that the collaboration with the two sister regional economic organizations be reinforced.

COMMENDED the Chief Executive Officers of EAC/COMESA/SADC for their commitment in deepening this tripartite cooperation.

NOTED the satisfactory progress being made in extending the preferential tariff treatment accorded to COMESA and SADC by the Partner States to 31^st December 2008.

DIRECTED the Secretariat to urgently finalise the EAC Industrialization Strategy which would assist in consolidating the Customs Union.

NOTED that a firm of Consultants has been retained to undertake the EAC Common Market Study.

CALLED UPON the Partner States to align their investment legislation to fit the EAC Model Investment Code.

APPLAUDED the Partner States and the Secretariat for the finalization and adoption of the Private Sector Development Strategy and DIRECTED the immediate implementation of the Strategy.

DIRECTED the Secretariat to coordinate with the East African Business Council and the Commonwealth Business Council preparation of a well planned programme for holding a successful Commonwealth Business Forum during the Commonwealth Heads of State and Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kampala in November 2007.

NOTED the finalization of the Study on EAC monetary integration and DIRECTED Partner States to give their comments on the Study by March 2007.

NOTED the adoption by the Council and the signing of the instruments with respect to Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy and Agriculture and Rural Development Policy.

NOTED with satisfaction the current status of the construction of the Arusha-Namanga-Athi River Road .

FURTHER THANKED the African Development Bank for the grant of US$5.5 million to support the feasibility and design study of the Arusha-Holili-Taveta-Voi Road and investment preparations for the Tanga-Horohoro-Malindi road as well as for the civil engineering capacity building in the EAC.

NOTED the Council decision to establish the East African Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASOSA) to be funded by the Civil Aviation and Airport Authorities of the Partner States.

NOTED the commencement of the technical and feasibility study on the establishment of the Unified Upper Flight Information Region (Common air space).

THANKED the US Trade Development Agency for funding the study to the tune of US$ 556,000.

CALLED upon the Partner States to work towards an early realization of broadband infrastructure network in the region under the EASSy programme.

NOTED with satisfaction the approval of the regional framework for E-Government in the East African Community.

URGED the Partner States to set aside adequate resources to effectively support the meteorological services in order to invest in infrastructure that will facilitate factoring weather and climate changes in development planning.

NOTED the implementation plan for the East African Power Master Plan.

NOTED FURTHER the importance of fast tracking the plan in the light of the acute energy crisis facing the Partner States.

URGED the Partner States to accord high priority to the mobilization of resources and implementation of the Regional Strategy on Scaling Up Access to Modern Energy Services.

CALLED upon the Secretariat to ensure a successful third Conference on Petroleum Potential and Investment Opportunities in East Africa to be held in Arusha in March 2007.

URGED Partner States to ratify the EAC Protocol on Environment and Natural Resources Management as soon as possible.

COMMENDED the Partner States for promoting East Africa as a single tourist destination in international tourism fairs.

WELCOMED the final ratification by Kenya of the Protocol on the Establishment of the Inter University Council for East Africa .

DIRECTED the Secretariat to ensure that the EAC Anthem is presented to the 4^th Extraordinary Summit in April 2007.

NOTED the progress made towards the establishment of the East Africa Kiswahili Council.

DIRECTED the Secretariat to fast track the finalization of the Protocol.

NOTED with satisfaction the decision of the UNESCO Executive Board at its 175^th Session to conclude a Cooperation Framework Agreement with the EAC.

FURTHER NOTED the development of the Draft Protocol for the Establishment of the East African Science and Technology Council.

DIRECTED the Secretariat to speed up the adoption of the Protocol.

NOTED with satisfaction the drafting of a Protocol for the Establishment of the East African Health Research Council.

DIRECTED the Secretariat to finalize the protocol by April 2007.

COMMENDED the Government of Uganda for agreeing to host the 1^st EAC Annual Health and Scientific Conference from 28^th to 30^th March 2007 in Kampala .

COMMENDED the Partner States and the Secretariat for the adoption of the Regional Framework on Gender and Community Development.

COMMENDED the Governments of Kenya and Uganda for adopting a Plan of Action to curb cattle rustling.

REITERATED the need to enforce the Nairobi Protocol on combating the proliferation of illegal small arms and light weapons with the collaboration of IGAD and AU.

ENDORSED the Council recommendation to establish an EAC Liaison Office at the AU Headquarters pursuant to an EU funded project to build the capacity of the AU to better coordinate cooperation in peace and security matters on the continent.

FURTHER NOTED progress made towards putting in place a Protocol on EAC Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism.

EAC ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE AND CAPACITY BUILDING

NOTED the decision of the Council to review the Organization Structure and Staffing of the Community as well as the enhancement of the emoluments of staff.

APPROVED the recommendations of the Council to enhance the emoluments of the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretaries General.

NOTED with satisfaction the enhanced cooperation between the development partners and the East African Community culminating in the launch of the EAC Partnership Fund.

DEEPLY APPRECIATED the role the development partners are playing in promoting EAC's capacity building and implementing development programmes.

DIRECTED the Secretariat to speed up the process leading towards the establishment of the EAC Development Fund to assure the EAC of sustainable sources for funding its activities.

LAKE VICTORIA BASIN COMMISSION

NOTED progress made in moving the Secretariat of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission to Kisumu , Kenya .

APPRECIATED the support of DFID of UK in gifting the EAC a Research Vessel named "RV Jumuiya".

DIRECTED the Commission to maximize the use of the vessel for improving navigation on the lake and for undertaking a hydrographic survey of the Lake as well as real time meteorological surveillance.

COMMENDED the Secretariat for the establishment of the Lake Victoria Basin Information Resource Centre which will enhance access and retrieval of scientific information on the Lake Victoria and its basin

APPLAUDED the conclusion of an MOU between the EAC and the Nile Basin Initiative on cooperation on Sustainable Development on the Lake VictoriaBasin .

NOTED with satisfaction the preparation of the second phase of the Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project (LVEMP-II) undertaken by the Partner States along with Rwanda and Burundi .

WELCOMED the Lake Victoria Commission - UN Habitat joint project on water and sanitation in urban growth centres within the Lake VictoriaBasin .

CONSULTATIVE PROCESS ON EAST AFRICAN FEDERATION

COMMENDED the Secretariat and the Partner States for the well organized launch programmes of the Consultative Process on Fast Tracking East African Federation.

DIRECTED the Council to make available to the EAC Secretariat adequate funds from EAC's reserve funds for financing the printing of adequate copies of the Wako Report and for printing of leaflets and pamphlets to be used in informing and sensitizing the East African citizenry on the core issues involved in the debate on Political Federation.

DIRECTED the National Consultative Committees to pursue their work diligently in fulfilling performance time lines.

PUBLICITY AND MARKETING OF THE EAC

NOTED efforts being taken by the Secretariat to re-brand the EAC in order to improve its image and identity.

DIRECTED the Secretariat that effective outreach programmes be implemented to bring the EAC closer to the hearts and minds of the East African people.

LAUNCH OF THE THIRD EAC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

COMMENDED the Secretariat and the Partner States for finalizing the 3^rd EAC Development Strategy 2006-2010.

APPROVED the adoption of the Development Strategy.

DIRECTED the Secretariat to draw effective plans to ensure successful implementation of the Strategy.

ACTIVITIES OF EAC ORGANS AND INSTITUTIONS

NOTED the expiry of the inaugural East African Legislative Assembly( EALA ) on 29^th November 2006.

COMMENDED the inaugural East African Legislative Assembly for an excellent path breaking role and performance.

ENDORSED the recommendation of the Council of Ministers to reconstitute the East African Court of Justice by establishing two divisions, namely a Court of First Instance with jurisdiction as per present Article 23 of the Treaty and an Appellate Division with appellate powers over the Court of First Instance.

DIRECTED that the procedure for the removal of Judges from office provided in the Treaty be reviewed with a view to including all possible reasons for removal other than those provided in the Treaty.

DIRECTED that a special Summit be convened very soon to consider and to pronounce itself on the proposed amendments of the Treaty in this regard.

NOTED with appreciation the completion of the analysis of data from the Frame survey (fisheries census) conducted in March 2006.

NOTED the increasing number of fishers on Lake Victoria with the fishery yield in 2005 totalling about 800,000 metric tones valued at US$ 340 million.

COMMENDED the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO) for its work in promoting sustainable utilization and optimal socio-economic benefits from the fisheries resources of Lake Victoria .

COMMENDED the Inter University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) for hosting and empowering biotechnology and biodiversity research programmes centred on Lake Victoria and its basin with productive output on food security, sustainable environment management and productive agro industries.

APPLAUDED the Inter University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) for running the East African Varsity-Net Project which, through ICT solutions, enhances the role of East African Universities as centres of excellence.

NOTED with satisfaction the report of the East African Development Bank (EADB) pursuant to the Summit 's directive spelling out concrete proposals on how it could transform itself into a lead agency for promoting East African regional integration.

DIRECTED the Partner States to ensure that resources are mobilized to enable the proposed financial vehicles to be established and put into operation as soon as possible.

FURTHER DIRECTED that the Council reports progress taken at the Extraordinary Summit in April, 2007.

EXPRESSED serious concern on the continuing legal saga between the Bank and Blue Line Enterprises in the High Court in Dar-es-Salaam.

CALLED UPON the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to assist in having the case concluded expeditiously.

NEGOTIATIONS ON ADMISSION OF RWANDA AND BURUNDI

NOTED the successful negotiations at the Ministerial levels and recommendation of the Council for the admission of Rwanda and Burundi into the East African Community.

DECIDED to admit the Republic of Rwanda and Burundi as full Members of the East African Community.

DECIDED FURTHER that admission will be effective from 1^st July 2007 after Rwanda and Burundi have concluded an Accession Treaty which has a six months' time frame.

DIRECTED the EAC Secretariat to work out with Rwanda and Burundi the smooth operationalization of membership accession.

SCHEDULE OF SUMMIT MEETINGS

NOTED and APPROVED the scheduling of the Extraordinary Summit Meeting in Arusha on 19^th April 2007 and the Working Summit Meeting to be held in Arusha from 9^th - 10^th July, 2007.

leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

The writer is LUOCOME REPORTER based in Kisumu. We urge all LUOCOME members with pressing issues pertaining to media and press releases to kindly contact him from any where in world. He will assist you to get true picture of your Village Developement.
LUOCOME-MEDIA