The East African Legislative Assembly is looking into allegation of mistreatment of the East African Community secretary-general Richard Sezibera while on an official mission in Burundi. During a session in Kigali yesterday, EALA Speaker Daniel Kidega said that following a request by the Assembly to look into the issue, the Council of Ministers will be asked to explain what transpired in Burundi. The information from the Council of Ministers will then form the basis for a possible motion. Sezibera was allegedly manhandled by Burundian security on October 28 while on official mission to help in mediating the ongoing political impasse. The crisis, that started in April after President Pierre Nkurunziza declared his intention to run for a contested third term in office – that he later stood for and won in June – has left more than 200 dead and thousands in refuge in neighbouring countries, including Rwanda. MP Abdullah Mwinyi (Tanzania) first raised the issue on Wednesday, noting that it was a matter of concern as it touched on privileges of a member of the Assembly. Mwinyi’s submission was further built upon the fact that the said incident took place when Sezibera was exercising his duties as the EAC Sectary-General. Speaker Kidega said members were at liberty to raise questions on what was happening in the Community. He noted that the Secretariat had officially written a protest letter to Burundi contesting the action. The letter from the Secretariat in Arusha described the incident as “uncalled for aggression” against the EAC Secretary-General. However, Burundi officials said Sezibera was barred from accessing the meeting as he was not on the official mediation team. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
