The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has said it is not suspending its activities despite the severe cash crisis it is experiencing.
According to the Assembly's speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana, all the planned sittings including other activities shall proceed as planned.
"I wish to clarify to the general EAC public that no activities of EALA have been postponed despite the financial challenges facing the Community," Ntakirutimana said in a statement dated February 10, 2025.
He stated that the challenge is already being handled by relevant organs of the East African Community (EAC).
"The EAC organs responsible are seized of the matter, and just like in the past, are consulting to have them addressed," he remarked.
His response follows an earlier statement stating that the regional Assembly is postponing its activities for six months.
The decision, according to the statement, was arrived during a meeting of the EALA commission and committee chairpersons on February 6, 2025, to assess the Assembly’s calendar.
But, Ntakirutimana clarified that the meeting was aimed at reviewing the Annual Calendar of activities to accommodate consideration of the Supplementary Budget Estimates received from the EAC Council of Ministers.
"The meeting resolved that the General Purpose Committee meets from 18th to 23rd February 2025 to scrutinise the Supplementary Estimates and report to the Assembly immediately," he said.
"Thereafter, the Assembly shall consider the Committee's report and the EAC Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025 on 24th and 25th February 2025."
He also used the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to its mandate of promoting regional integration through legislation, oversight, and representation.
