KIGALI, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) has called for a significant boost in its budget and stronger regional judicial cooperation to effectively fulfill its mandate.
The plea was made during the formal opening of the third annual EACJ Judicial Conference and Rotational Court sitting in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, which runs from Feb. 17 to March 8.
Speaking at the event, EACJ President Nestor Kayobera acknowledged the goodwill of partner states in implementing court decisions but emphasized that financial constraints are hindering the court's operations.
"The court is instrumental in upholding the rule of law through its implementation, application, and enforcement of the treaty; however, the court faces a number of challenges while executing its mandate, and key among them are inadequate budgetary allocations and delays in financial disbursement from the partner states," he said.
Beyond financial resources, Kayobera called for stronger regional judicial cooperation. He emphasized the need for closer cooperation between national judiciaries and the EACJ to ensure the consistent application of the law and effective enforcement of court decisions.
He suggested that such cooperation could include sharing best practices, harmonizing legal frameworks, and developing joint training programs for judicial personnel. While the EACJ has seen growth in caseloads and the development of jurisprudence, Kayobera stressed that stronger cooperation is essential to solidify the court's role in promoting justice and regional integration.
Veronica M. Nduva, secretary general of the East African Community (EAC), spoke at the conference about the transformative impact of digital innovations on judicial processes. "From remote hearings to artificial intelligence-driven data analytics, these advancements enhance transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in judicial systems," she said.
Nduva commended Rwanda's spirit of resilience and reconciliation as a fitting backdrop for discussions on the future of justice in East Africa.
Rwanda's Chief Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa highlighted the importance of judicial cooperation at national and regional levels.
"Justice and ethics are our collective concern and pillars of our national and regional justice systems," she said, calling for collaborative efforts to strengthen access to justice and the enforcement of judicial decisions.
Beatrice Asukul Moe, chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, underscored the enormity of responsibilities placed on the court.
"Your judgments not only develop jurisprudence within our region but also reflect the values and aspirations that the EACJ stands for -- justice, fairness, and equality," she said.
The conference, themed "Justice, Ethics, and Enforcement of Decisions: A Judicial Pathway for Regional Development," has brought together judges, legal experts, policymakers, and regional leaders to discuss the EACJ's role in advancing justice, economic integration, and governance within the EAC. Key topics include addressing the evolving legal needs of member states and strengthening the regional legal framework. ■
