MINISTER for Constitutional and Legal Affairs Dr Pindi Chana on Thursday paid a courtesy call on President of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) Justice Nestor Kayobera to strengthen ties between Tanzania and the institution.

The meeting also aimed at exploring avenues for collaborative efforts, particularly in capacity building within Tanzania’s legal system and the East African Community (EAC) integration process.

A statement availed to the media yesterday stated that the discussions centred around identifying specific areas of cooperation between Tanzania and EACJ, with a particular emphasis on capacity building initiatives. 

This includes development of specialized programmes, lectures and training sessions geared towards equipping Tanzanian legal professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage effectively on EAC integration and navigate procedures of EACJ.

In her remarks, Dr Chana disclosed that Tanzania had embarked on various national reform initiatives, including a review of existing laws.

“In this process, we believe the EACJ can be instrumental in guiding on which judgments and rulings by the regional court call for amendment of national laws to enable us better facilitate the EAC agenda,” she said.

The minister urged EACJ to explore modalities of offering capacity building programmes in Tanzania, with particular reference to lectures and specialised training sessions at the Law School of Tanzania and Tanzania Institute of Judicial Administration.

She further said that the regional court has a central role to play in supporting partner states to identify gaps in their national laws that are likely to impede smooth implementation of EAC treaty and its protocols.

“It is time we reviewed our laws and ensured they are sufficient to address all matters pertaining to regional integration while at the same time addressing technological and other social development issues,” she said.

Justice Kayobera expressed the court's readiness to support Tanzania in enhancing her legal capacity regarding EAC integration agenda.

He highlighted the significance of mutual cooperation in facilitating a deeper understanding of EACJ's mandate and jurisprudence within Tanzania's legal fraternity.

“We have started discussions with the Tanzania Institute of Judicial Administration, and are working towards developing a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing our already existing cooperation, particularly in the building of the Court's Judges Capacity as well as that of Judges on the National Judiciary on EAC Integration,” he said.

During deliberations, it was noted that the conclusion of the process to amend the EAC treaty will empower the court to more effectively fulfil its mandate.