The humanitarian situation in Burundi as well as a bill that will help the region enforce and jointly enhance mechanisms mitigate foil natural disasters are among the key items on the agenda as the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) holds its next sitting in Arusha, Tanzania, next week.

Diplomats from the UN Security Council on Friday wrapped up a visit to Burundi after meeting top Government officials in the capital, Bujumbura. They encouraged all parties to pursue an inclusive dialogue process that would help end months of political turmoil.

The unrelenting humanitarian situation in Burundi is expected to be the main topic for discussion should the Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution Committee complete and present its Report on the Petition by the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) concerning the political situation in Burundi.  

Last week, the committee held a public hearing in Arusha where it listened to the PALU petition as well as contributions by other stakeholders comprising of the representatives of Civil Society Organizations and opposition parties in Burundi.  

On Monday, the committee is expected to listen to Burundi government representatives who requested to be considered to appear before it after January 18. Thereafter, it will retreat to prepare its report to the Assembly for debate.

The EAC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Bill  of 2013 aims to provide a legal framework at regional and national level for timely intervention in disaster situations and to protect the people and the natural environment affected by disaster through comprehensive disaster risk reduction and management. 

Early last year, during a similar sitting in Kampala, Uganda, the third reading of the bill was adjourned following a request by the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, citing the need to consult the relevant provisions of the Treaty and to allow for pursuit of the ratification of the EAC Protocol on Peace and Security which provides for co-operation in DRR management and crisis response.

In August 2013, the Council of Ministers moved a motion seeking to take over the Bill from the original mover, MP Patricia Hajabakiga (Rwanda), make appropriate amendments and initiate its re-introduction as a Council of Ministers’ Bill. 

Burundi on Assembly’s radar

Later, the House will also receive and debate the report of the Committee on Legal Rules and Privileges on a resolution moved under Rule 30 (J) of the Assembly Rules of Procedure on a matter of privileges arising from a threat of tenure of office of members.

While sitting in Kigali, last November, it became known that a decision by Burundi to recall four of its nine representatives in the Assembly had stirred controversy with some saying that the move goes against the Treaty establishing the East African Community (EAC).

Burundi Parliament had earlier informed the EALA Speaker about its intention to cease membership of four members of the Burundi delegation.

The four are Jeremie Ngendakumana, a former member of the ruling National Council for the Defence of Democracy-Defence Forces of Democracy (CNDD-FDD), one of   those who had opposed President Pierre Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term.

Others are Dr Martin Nduwimana, Frederic Ngenzebuhoro and Yves Nsabimana. While Nduwimana and Ngenzebuhoro were members of the opposition UPRONA political party, Nsabimana is from the opposition FRODEBU Nyakuri.