From mid-February to early March, the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) conducted a rotational session in Kigali, involving several cases from East African Community partner states. Speaking at the official closing of the session held at the High Court premises, on March 7, Nestor Kayobera, the President of the Court, said that the session was a success, with all planned activities executed as expected. “The session was successful; what we planned was achieved 100 percent. We began with the general meeting, which was attended by all invitees. The cases scheduled for hearing were completed, and all parties—both private and government—were present. The verdicts that were expected to be delivered were successfully issued,” he said. ALSO READ: East African court to hear about 20 cases in Kigali Reflecting on the experience in Rwanda, Kayobera emphasized that political will is key in making things possible. However, he acknowledged that financial constraints remain a challenge for the court. The rotational session, from February 18 to March 7, began with the third general meeting, bringing together over 200 participants, including legal practitioners from EAC’s eight partner states, government ministers, and other stakeholders. The court handled 10 cases from the First Instance Division and nine from the Appellate Division, delivering several rulings, including one concerning Rwanda. Among the cases heard during the session, one notable ruling was against businessman François Xavier Mironko, who lost a lawsuit against the government. ALSO READ: Rwandan businessman Mironko loses lawsuit against government Speaking on the significance of rotational sessions, he pointed out that EACJ adopted a rotational approach to bring the court closer to the people. Since 2021, the court has held sessions in Bujumbura, Burundi, and Kampala, Uganda. This year’s session in Kigali marked the third such rotation. “The court does not belong to judges; it belongs to the people. The Treaty states that the community is people-centred and market-driven. By moving beyond Arusha, we are making the court more visible and accessible,” Kayobera stated. He noted that the reception in Kigali reinforced the importance of these rotations, making the court feel “at home” in Rwanda. “With each rotation, we improve, and we are confident that the next session will be even better,” he added. Kayobera clarified the nature of cases handled by EACJ. “When citizens file cases against their governments, it is often because their rights under the EAC Treaty have been violated. These are not appeals from national courts but cases where governments fail to uphold their obligations. For instance, if a person is detained beyond the legally stipulated period without trial, they can bring their case to our court,” he explained. The court does not function as an appellate body for national courts but rather examines whether partner states comply with their obligations under the EAC Treaty. Harrison Mutabazi, the spokesperson of the Rwandan judiciary, emphasized the benefits of hosting such judicial sessions. “The fact that this session was successfully held in Kigali is a plus for our judiciary. It allowed judges and legal practitioners to exchange best practices, network, and discuss emerging issues in regional justice,” he said. Mutabazi added that hosting such sessions also enhances Rwanda’s visibility within the regional legal framework. The EACJ’s presence in Kigali was an eye-opener. Emmerance Tuyisenge, a businesswoman in Nyarugenge, said it was her first time hearing about the court. “I first encountered the EACJ officials at the court premises when I came for other services. I asked for more information about the court and was surprised to learn about its role in handling regional legal matters. As businesspeople engaged in cross-border trade, it is reassuring to know there is a court that deals with regional disputes,” she said. As the session concluded, EACJ officials expressed optimism about the future of the court and its expanding role in ensuring justice across the East African region. “We have built strong foundations, and we will continue to improve. The visibility and accessibility of the court are growing, which is a great achievement,” Kayobera said.
