EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY

______IN THE EAST AFRICAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (EALA) The Official Report of the Proceedings of the East African Legislative Assembly 89 TH SITTING – SECOND ASSEMBLY: FIRST MEETING – FOURTH SESSION Tuesday, 14 September 2010 The East African Legislative Assembly met at 2.40 p.m. in the Chamber of Deputies of the of Burundi, Bujumbura.

PRAYER (The Speaker, Mr. Abdirahin Abdi, in the Chair) (The Assembly was called to order.) ______

PROCEDURAL MOTION And Whereas Rule 2 of the Rules of Procedure provides that, the seat of the The Chairperson, Committee on Legal, Assembly shall be at Arusha in the United Rules and Privileges (Mr. Frederic Republic of Tanzania; Ngenzebuhoro (Burundi): Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to move: And Whereas sub-rule 7 of Rule 11 provides that the Assembly may, on a That, this House, pursuant to the resolution adopted by a majority of its provisions of Article 55 of the Members, decide to hold one or more Treaty, and Rule 11 of the Rules of sittings elsewhere within the Partner Procedure, do resolve to hold its States, other than at its seat; sittings in Bujumbura, in the Republic of Burundi. Now, therefore, this Assembly do resolve as follows: Ms Valérie Nyirahabineza () : Seconded. That pursuant to the provisions of Sub-rule 7 of Rule 11 stated above, the Assembly Mr. Ngenzebuhoro: Mr. Speaker, Sir; shall hold sittings in the Burundi National th Whereas Clause 1 of Article 55 of the Assembly from today, Wednesday, 14 September 2010 up to Thursday, 23rd Treaty provides that, the meetings of the September 2010. Assembly shall be held at such times and places as the Assembly may appoint; Mr. Speaker, I beg to move. (Applause)

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(Question proposed) Welcome Remarks to the Speaker of the Burundi National Assembly (Question put and agreed to) Speaker, EALA: Your Excellency, COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR Therence Sinunguruza, the First Vice The Speaker: Honourable Members, President of the Republic of Burundi; amidst us today is His Excellency Your Excellency, the Rt. hon. Pie Therence Sinunguruza, the First Vice Ntavyohanyuma, Speaker, Burundi President of the Republic of Burundi, and National Assembly; hon. Dr. Diodorus the hon. Pie Ntavyohanyuma, the Speaker Kamala, Chairperson of the Council of of the Burundi National Assembly. Ministers; honourable Ministers; hon. (Applause) I have, in accordance with the Members of EALA and the National provisions of Article 54 of the Treaty, Assembly of Burundi; the Deputy invited them to address this Assembly. Secretary General, East African (Applause) Community; Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps; All invited I would now like to make the following guests; Ladies and gentlemen. proclamation to welcome the presence, in the Assembly, of the First Vice President It is with great pleasure that I stand before of the Republic of Burundi, and the you to welcome my good friend and Speaker of the Burundi National colleague, the Rt. Hon. Pie Assembly: Ntavyohanyuma, an accomplished and reputable politician, family man, PROCLAMATION academician, writer and a former top civil servant, to address you. (Applause) As a WHEREAS Clause (1) of Article 54 of the Member of the EAC Speakers Forum, I am Treaty provides that the Speaker of the grateful to the people of Kayanza for Assembly can invite any person to attend having re- elected him to continue his the Assembly notwithstanding that he or political career at the national level. she is not a Member of the Assembly; if in (Applause) I am also grateful to Members his or her opinion the Business of the of the Burundi National Assembly for Assembly renders his or her presence having re – elected him to the high office desirable. of Speaker of the National Assembly. (Applause) His successful re-election is AND WHEREAS in the opinion of the testimony of his astute service for his Speaker, the attendance and presence in people and his country. We as Members of the Assembly of the His Excellency the the EAC Speakers Forum view the Rt. First Vice-President of the Republic of Hon. Ntavyohanyuma as an elder of great Burundi and the Speaker of the Burundi vision, wisdom and foresight. I am National Assembly is desirable in therefore excited about his re-election to accordance with the Business now before both positions. (Applause) the Assembly. The EAC Speakers Forum stands to NOW THEREFORE , It is with great benefit a lot from his profile as it pleasure and honour, on your behalf Hon. progresses towards positively influencing Members, to welcome the presence of the important decisions in the EAC, and First t Vice-President of the Republic of towards enhancing relations between Burundi and the Speaker of Burundi EALA and the national parliaments. These National Assembly in this Chamber. foundations were laid during his tenure as (Applause) Chairperson of the Forum. (Applause)

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In addition to his excellent profile, the hon. Fourth Session of the East African Ntavyohanyuma is also a backbone of Legislative Assembly. (Applause) I would community development ethos in his also like to extend the same welcome to constituency, and in the country as a the Honourable Speaker of the East whole. ( Applause) His participation in African Legislative Assembly and all several community development and Members of this House. (Applause) human rights initiatives has attracted a lot of support and resources for the people of Allow me to welcome all Members of the Burundi. His achievements in the pursuit different Delegations and wish them a of justice, peace and human rights have pleasant stay in our capital city, also endeared him to regional peace Bujumbura. initiatives with the Parliament of Rwanda and the Parliament of the DRC, and in I also would like to extend my welcome, 2009, he chaired a joint meeting of the once again, to all Members of the Bureaus Speakers from the three countries to lay of the and all strategies for peace in the parliamentary Burundian Members of Parliament who context. (Applause) were trusted by the people of Burundi during the legislative and senatorial With those few remarks, I would now wish elections that took place in July 2010. I to execute my humble duty to invite the sincerely congratulate them. (Applause) Rt. Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly of Burundi, the Hon Pie Welcome to Kigobe, all of you who have Ntavyohanyuma, to address this August responded positively to this appointment. Assembly. (Applause)

You are most welcome. (Applause) Your presence shows your interest in inter- ADDRESS BY THE SPEAKER, BURUNDI parliamentary dialogue within our East NATIONAL ASSEMBLY African Community. The subjects discussed in our sessions are of paramount The Speaker, Burundi National importance for the present time and the Assembly (Rt. hon. Pie future of our institutions and our peoples. Ntavyohanyuma): Your Excellency Thérence Sinunguruza, First Vice- This session is taking place in a special President of the Republic of Burundi; political context for the whole sub-region. Honourable Abdirahin Haithar Abdi, Burundi has just completed an electoral Speaker of the East African Legislative process, which has renewed institutions Assembly; Honourable Members of the through communal, presidential, Bureaus of the Parliament of Burundi; legislative, senatorial, and local elections. Honourable Parliamentarians; Honourable In the Republic of Rwanda, presidential Ministers; Your Excellencies Ambassadors elections were held and crowned by a great and Diplomats; distinguished success. The special feature of the representatives of international electoral processes in both Burundi and organizations; distinguished guests; ladies Rwanda is that the Heads of State in and gentlemen. office, Their Excellencies Pierre Nkurunziza and , were re- Allow me, first, on behalf of the elected. (Applause) On behalf of the Parliament of Burundi and on my behalf, Parliament of Burundi, I congratulate them to extend our warm welcome to His and assure them of our strong support. As Excellency the First Vice-President of the observers did witness, they won these Republic of Burundi, who is gracing with elections with overwhelming majorities, his presence the opening ceremony of the

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and they were fair, free, and transparent. African Community. This session is, For us, this is an eloquent sign that therefore, being held with the purpose of democracy is deep-rooted in East Africa. evaluating the implementation of the (Applause) programs and action plans agreed on during previous sessions. It is therefore an I avail myself this opportunity to express honour for the Parliament of Burundi to our deep appreciation to the Secretariat of host such a meeting. I assure you that we the East African Community and the will do everything we can to make your Secretariat of the East African Legislative stay in Burundi pleasant: the work of this Assembly for their attention and their session will be done in a pleasant multifaceted support to the Burundian environment. (Applause) electoral process. They sent many observers. We would like all Partner States I wish to conclude my remarks by inviting of the East African Community to you to listen to the speech of His continue to be involved in all elections Excellency the First Vice-President of the planned in the other sub-regional States Republic of Burundi. Long live the East and help these elections to be successful. African Community; (Applause) As for the Parliament of long live co-operation among African Burundi, we will make every possible parliaments! Thank you. effort and pass every Bill aimed at establishing a joint electoral Commission. - (Applause) - (Applause) Welcome Remarks to the First Vice- President of the Republic of Burundi We note that the United Republic of The Speaker, EALA (Mr Abdirahin Tanzania, the Republic of Uganda, and the Abdi) : Honourable Members, His Republic of Kenya are gearing up for Excellency Pierre Nkurunziza has general elections during the year 2012. In graciously sent the First Vice President, the United Republic of Tanzania, the His Excellency Therence Sinunguruza, to electoral campaign is underway. We wish represent him at this Special Sitting and to this country a peaceful and transparent address the Assembly. While the President electoral process. (Applause) In Uganda, very much wanted to address the elections are scheduled for 2011. His Assembly, he had to attend to official Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, engagements outside the country. He President of the Republic of Uganda, will wishes all of you the very best in your stand for presidential elections. Our deliberations and stay here in Burundi over dearest wish is that these elections take the next two weeks . (Applause) place in calm, dignity, and transparency. (Applause) The Republic of Kenya has Your Excellency, I stand to first adopted a new constitution that will now congratulate you for your appointment to be the basis for the elections to be held in the high office of First Vice President of 2012. Through the Kenyan parliamentary the Republic of Burundi. It is reminiscent delegation here present, we extend our of the trust the President has placed in you heartfelt congratulations to the Kenyan to manage the public affairs of the people, and encourage them to move Republic of Burundi. (Applause) forward. (Applause) May I, also, through you, congratulate the Holding this meeting in Burundi follows President for his recent resounding re – the relevant decisions and election as President of the Republic of recommendations made during previous Burundi? (Applause) The elections, sessions in other Partner States of the East witnessed by the whole world, were

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reported to have been peaceful throughout people of Burundi that we shall do the country. I, therefore , on behalf of the everything possible to support this cause. East African Legislative Assembly, wish (Applause) to thank the President, the Government and the people of Burundi for having Finally, Your Excellency, I thank you for conducted such peaceful elections, more once again accepting to address the so after the Republic of Burundi had gone Assembly today. By this, you have shown through a troubled period in the recent that you are a true friend of the East past. (Applause) African Legislative Assembly - (Applause) - but before I call upon you to address the Honourable Members, I was honoured to Assembly, your Excellency, I would like attend the swearing in ceremony of to recognise the presence of some of the President Nkurunziza on 26 August 2010, dignitaries here present. here in Bujumbura, and in his acceptance speech, President Nkurunziza swore, I would like to start with representatives of among others things, to abide by the unity the business community - will you please charter, the national constitution, national stand up - the staff of the EAC, solidarity, and to promote social cohesion. representatives from various religious Indeed, as promised, the new Government denominations, international organisations, announced by President Nkurunziza the Mayor of Bujumbura, members of the comprises of Members from other political Diplomatic Corps, members of the parties, a gesture which we must all judiciary, members of the security applaud. It is our sincere hope that all the services, ministers from the government of other parties support these initiatives for Burundi, members of the National the sake of peace and development of this Assembly and of Burundi, nation. (Applause) We have trust in the members of the Bureau of Senates, and the political leadership of Burundi to ensure Second Vice-President. ( Applause) Hon. stability and peace in this country, and I Members, I think you all remember the am sure the majority of the people of Second Vice-President very well; he used Burundi do so as well. to be the President of the Senate so we have worked very closely with him over Under the stewardship of the President, the last two years. major achievements have been recorded in the sectors of education, healthcare and (The dignitaries stood in their places for infrastructure. The economy of Burundi is recognition respectively) booming and continuing to attract both The Speaker : With those few remarks, it foreign and local investments. These are is my humble duty to invite Your no mean achievements. (Applause) Excellency to address this August We as an Assembly are happy to note that Assembly, today Tuesday 14 September you have vowed to work closely with the 2010. Welcome Your Excellency. President to continue on the path of (Applause) reconciliation, the fight against poverty The First Vice-President of the Republic and zero tolerance for corruption. These of Burundi (H.E. Therence are challenging promises, but the people of Sinunguruza): Honourable Speaker of the Burundi have demonstrated that they have National Assembly of Burundi; trust in the country’s leadership. It is our Honourable President of the Senate; sincere hope that these facts will inspire Excellency Second Vice-President of the Your Excellency to work for your country Republic of Burundi; Honorable Speaker to take it to new heights. We pledge our of the East African Legislative Assembly; support to you, the President and the

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EAC Secretary General; Honourable MPs In fact, you are meeting here after general from EAC Partner States; Excellencies; elections, the first ones held in the history Ladies and Gentlemen; members of the of the country, after a five-year rule well Government of the Republic of Burundi; accomplished in compliance with Honourable Members of the EALA; democratic principles. (Applause) These Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic elections were carried out in peace and Corp accredited in Burundi; Excellencies; freedom for all Burundians who have Ladies and Gentlemen; Distinguished demonstrated independently and Guests, it is for us a moment of great joy democratically their trust in daughters and and pride to be among you for this August sons of this nation whom they have judged Assembly, whose participants are coming capable and competent to represent and from the four corners of the East African lead them during the next five years. Community, to attend the opening of the activities of the “Fourth Session of the You have come to hold your meeting in East African Legislative Assembly.” Burundi during a special period in the history of the East African Community. First, we would like, on behalf of the We would like to take this wonderful people of Burundi, their government and occasion to hail the success of the on my own behalf, to take this opportunity presidential , and the to wish, all of you who have came from referendum on the Constitution of the the East African Community and other Republic of Kenya. This proves the countries, a warm welcome to Burundi. outstanding fact of the maturity of our (Applause) Our wish is that you feel people, and that they have understood very sincerely at ease in Burundi, a Member well the unique and everlasting basis of State of our own beloved East African their development and made useful choices Community; a community of people. for the future of democracy in our Today, our joy is very great since we are countries. We wish the same success to addressing the respected representatives of our sisters and brothers of the United our Community. Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Uganda, which is preparing to organize As far as I am concerned, and together similar great and patriotic activity next with all people of Burundi in general, we month, for their first elections, to be assure you that we will do our best to followed by the second ones in 2011. We make your journey in Burundi useful and are proud to confirm here that the East wonderful. (Applause) African Community integration process is on the right track. This track will bring Honourable Excellencies, Ladies and about its construction, and honor its future Gentlemen, Distinguished guests; we generations with a Community of a people would like, once again, to express our with a democratic and prosperous East happiness in taking part in this August Africa where East African citizens and Assembly of Members of the East African those who will choose to live there as their Legislative Assembly. You have come to second nation, will enjoy living. hold this meeting in Burundi, at this (Applause) particular period in the history of Burundi, a period of regional integration in Eastern Honourable Excellencies, Ladies and Africa, and above all, a period when Gentlemen, Distinguished guests; this witnesses from the whole world are saying Assembly is also meeting here two months that the people of Burundi are now after the implementation of the EAC politically and democratically mature. Common Market Protocol. On the one (Applause) hand we would simply name the successful functioning of this protocol as

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the free movement of goods, persons and contributed to the strengthening of job opportunities, services and assets, and democracy and the peace process in on the other hand, the right of Burundi. (Applause) We say “Thank you” establishment and residence, which will for responding to our invitation, the first make the EAC an integrated and very one having been made on 27 January 2010 prosperous area. It is our significant tool of during the official opening of the Inter- integration and development; we should parliamentary Relations Seminar popularly work for its great success. (Applause) known the “NANYUKI V” under the theme “The EAC: Prospects, Challenges Our great wish is for this Assembly to be and Opportunities”. the best platform to make a contribution for our prestigious institution to succeed in We would particularly like to thank Heads operationalising all sectors of the EAC of State of Member States of the cooperation, namely, reform and Regional Initiative for Peace in Burundi, harmonization of laws, adoption of best led by His Excellency President Yoweri practices, abolition of tariff and non tariff Kaguta Museveni, who committed barriers in commerce, and also in the themselves so that Burundi can be all that sensitization of the different Partners it is today. (Applause) States on national and Community plans. We have no doubt that this Assembly will We have also appreciated the role played take up this issue because the different by the EAC Elections Observation activities and achievements of the Missions, comprising among others some Assembly have proved your strong members of the EALA, which has been a commitment and determination to give privileged witness of the maturity of the your contribution in building our people of Burundi in their determination to Community. (Applause) We are glad to build a country of freedom and democracy, note that the activities on your agenda and for having turned a dark page of its respond to this wish. history. (Applause) We greatly appreciate the programme of We also wish to reassure Foreigners and an interactive meeting between the EALA Friends of Burundi that our country is members and the Burundi Members of committed to serve all Burundians, and all Parliament. This is the right moment for the initiatives that will be undertaken will this because an exchange on the be in the interest of all without achievements of the EAC and its future discrimination. We shall work together prospects, as well as on the mandate of the and for all. (Applause) EALA and the EAC Court of Justice will With all these dimensions, our country is a be an occasion for our Deputies, almost country with a great potential, and with the new in the Chamber, to be aware of the commitment of each of the five EAC realities of the Community, and its countries, there is space for all of us. In eminent role to carry out highly the cooperation with the EAC countries, we highlight of the integration within the will transform Burundi from a status of EAC. landlocked country to that of a land-locked Honourable Excellencies, ladies and country with many opportunities for gentlemen, distinguished guests, we would development. (Applause) like to come back, once again, to the The people of Burundi know the program phases of democratization that we have of their government and its determination gone through in Burundi in order to thank to work for the qualitative transformation all those, both at the Community level and of our country. We will go on working so at the Partner States level, who have

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that our country has a new breath to in this challenge, we trust in the future, we impulse development and to reinforce the will succeed! (Applause) democracy we have acquired after struggle. With all efforts put together, and Burundi, reinforced by progress achieved with God’s help, we will succeed. at the level of peace consolidation and (Applause) democracy, will never fail to do all that may contribute, in a visible way, to the During this five-year term, the program of building of the EAC. We are committed to the Government will focus on the work in order to make profit of consolidation of peace, security, opportunities offered for our integration reconciliation, sustainable social and within the EAC. We will be ready to play economic development, and, the fight our role and assume our rights and duties against corruption, so that each Burundian as an EAC Member State. (Applause) can enjoy living in his or her own country. (Applause) The EAC becomes an everyday and livable reality to a part, more and more We will consolidate all that was acquired importantly, of our populations, and in the different sectors of national life such everyday it should constitute a as health, education, fight against hunger, supplementary motivation for working by unemployment, poverty, development of giving us all pride in terms of fulfilled agriculture and livestock, infrastructures promises. The different actions undertaken (roads, energy), protection of the at the different levels and the precise steps environment and promotion of tourism, in the living history of our Community are just to name a few. witnesses that the East African Community is progressing. (Applause) In this determination of making Burundi a You will therefore understand the haven of peace and development for all, importance of your presence in we will strongly lead all Burundians to Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi. change their behaviors and attitudes . We will consolidate good governance and we This place should be a place of inspiration have already proclaimed “Tolerance Zero” and conviction, so that at the end of this for all perpetrators of corruption acts, meeting, each participant becomes the economic and financial embezzlements, apostle for the different corners of East and other related infractions. We will also Africa, to preach the good news of the work for the effective protection of Human progress of our Community. We all of us Rights and for the promotion of equal have to appreciate the progress of what we rights and justice for all. We would like are doing individually and collectively. impunity to be banned in Burundi, a We have a good Community, and our country we wish to be lovable, livable, and countries have made remarkable reassuring for all. (Applause) achievements. We have the mission to see, accomplish, and to talk to others with great Honourable Excellencies, our most ardent pride. wish is to see our country and all Burundians making significant steps with For our people who, from the high qualitative changes in several domains of mountains, hills, valleys and plains of the national life: a stable country with a visible member countries of our Community, eradication of hunger and poverty, a observe us and wait for tangible results country having a place of choice on the from us to enjoy the fruits of regional international chessboard. We need your integration, the faith created by the support, and with God’s grace to succeed stabilization and democratization, which is observed within the EAC, must be

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consolidated. In the case of a contrary, (The respective Members stood in their history will never forgive us. (Applause) places for introduction) Allow me to finish my address by wishing, - (Applause) - sincerely, great success to this First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the The Speaker : I now call upon Hon. EALA. And, once again, this session will Masha to move a Vote of Thanks on our allow us to take note of other behalf. achievements for the happiness of our VOTE OF THANKS countries and people respectively. (Applause) Dr. F. Lwanyantika Masha (Tanzania): Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. It is on these words that we declare solemnly open, the activities of the First Hon. Speaker of EALA; Your Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Excellencies Vice-Presidents of the EALA. Long life and prosperity to our Republic of Burundi; Speaker of the East African Community; long life to our Burundi National Assembly; Chairperson, parliaments and the EALA, God bless you. Council of Ministers; Hon. Members of Thank you. the Assembly; Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. Mr Speaker, let me - (Applause) - first express my gratitude and sincere The Speaker: Hon. Members, before the thanks for asking me on behalf of my Vote of Thanks, I would like to recognise colleague Members of EALA to give this a few people I forgot to recognise earlier. vote of thanks. First is the Deputy Secretary-General, We have heard two very moving Finance and Administration of the EAC, statements from the Speaker of the Dr. Julius Rotich. (Applause) Assembly and from the First Vice- Secondly, hon. Members, you will realise President. Your Excellency Therence that about 80 per cent of the Members of Sinunguruza, we thank you sincerely for the Burundi National Assembly are new. your words of welcome. We thank you Therefore, it would also be good for them sincerely for your commitment to the East to see the faces of the EALA Members so African integration process. that they know their colleagues. I can see May I say I was moved to hear you say Hon. Ngenzebuhoro straightening his that you are proud to confirm that the EAC jacket. (Laughter) integration process is on course? In fact, in Therefore, I will start with the Hon. your own words, you said, “it is going the Counsel to the Community; followed by right way”. In this kind of process that we the Members from Tanzania; Members are in, it is not always easy for those of us from Uganda; Members from Rwanda; on the inside to realise or even to know Members from Burundi; I would also like and appreciate that we are on the right to recognise the Assistant Minister for course until we hear these kinds of words EAC from Kenya; Hon. Hafsa Mossi, the from distinguished delegates and leaders Minister for EAC from Burundi; hon. such as the Vice-President of one of our Eriya Kategaya, the First Prime Minister Partner States. Therefore, you have given and Minister for EAC from Uganda; and us some heart, and we will continue in that the Chairperson of EAC Council of “right way” and hope that we will reach Ministers and Minister for EAC from that ultimate goal of political integration in Tanzania, Dr. Kamala. East Africa. (Applause)

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You have told us that your government, On behalf of my colleagues, I share your among other things, is focusing on the wish that the elections coming in consolidation of peace, security and Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya will take reconciliation. Mr. Vice-President, as place in a calm atmosphere, in dignity and indeed you have reminded us, from the transparency. This is what we look recent experience of the elections, you forward to, and that will give an honour to now have the mandate to carry these things the leg remaining for the political out, and with even greater vigour. We will integration of our countries. We share with be with you in these efforts, and we hope you these sentiments, and we hope that it all elements in Burundi will appreciate the what will take place. need for peace as our people develop, and as we move towards political integration. Before I conclude, I wish to note with (Applause) great pleasure the appointment of one of our colleagues, Dr. Sabine Ntakarutimana, It has always been a very pleasant and as a Minister in the new government - welcome opportunity for us to return to the (Applause). While we will miss her charm city of Bujumbura where we enjoy and contributions to the work of EALA, meeting the friendly people of Burundi. we appreciate that her special talents and Your people and government, as indeed, commitment to public service have been has been acknowledged, have recently recognised. We wish her great success in undergone renewal in your commitment to her new assignment. one of the cardinal guiding principles of our common journey to the political May I interject here that Burundi’s integration of our five countries. I wish, on commitment to the integration process behalf of my colleagues, to congratulate seems to be so strong that one of the you personally, Mr. Vice-President, the former Vice-Presidents of Burundi, the government and your people for the hon. Frederic Ngenzebuhoro, is a Member successful and peaceful completion of of EALA and doing a great job. your general elections. Allow me, even in (Applause) I thought I should raise that his absence, to congratulate the President since I am addressing a Vice-President. of the Republic of Burundi personally for While I wish him better things, he will be his stunning victory, and the mandate that most welcome to join us, too. (Applause) he has from the people. (Applause) Once again, I wish to thank the First Vice- Mr. Speaker, turning to the address of the President for his very important statement, Speaker of the Burundi National and wish him the best in the years to come. Assembly, it is always very pleasant for us (Applause) to come here because of the camaraderie The Speaker: Hon. Members, I do not and friendship we have always enjoyed think I would want to add anything more when we are in Bujumbura. I noted that because my command of French is not as you indicated in your statement your good as hon. Masha’s. I only want to say support for a joint electoral commission thanks a lot to the Vice-Presidents and the for the five countries. I thought this was a Speaker. very significant departure from the kind of hesitation and lukewarm approach to some Before I adjourn the House, I would like to of the essential elements to political make the following announcement. After integration. (Applause) I welcome, on we adjourn, we are going to have a photo behalf of my colleagues, that expression of session with the First and Second Vice- commitment to a joint electoral Presidents, the Speaker of Assembly, the commission, and I hope that we will get Deputy Speakers of the Senate, and the there one of these days.

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Members of EALA, outside the building. You are also invited to a cocktail hosted by the Speaker of the National Assembly right within this building. The cocktail is for everybody. ADJOURNMENT The Speaker: Hon. Members, I would now like to adjourn the House until tomorrow at 2.30 p.m. (The House rose at 5.00 p.m. and adjourned until Wednesday, 15 September 2011 at 2.30 p.m.)

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