Tanzania loses right to host regional lawyers conference to Ethiopia
Sifuna had asked that the conference be moved to another country in the wake of allegations by activists Boniface Mwangi and Agatha Atuhire that they were tortured by authorities in Dar
Tanzania has lost the hosting rights for the 30th Annual General Conference meeting for the East Africa Law Society (EALS).
In a communication made today by the EALS President Ramadhan Abubakar, the event will now take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following recent developments, including the upcoming elections in Tanzania, which necessitated the move.
“While Zanzibar had initially been selected as the host, recent developments, including the upcoming general elections in the United Republic of Tanzania scheduled around the same period-have necessitated a reconsideration. After careful deliberation and in the absence of firm guarantees to delegates who will be attending the event, the EALS Governing Council in its meeting last week considered Addis Ababa as the alternative venue for the 30th AGM for EALS,” Abubakar announced.
He added that the move underscores their commitment to ensuring the safety and inclusive participation of the members.
“This decision underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring safety, comfort, and inclusive participation of all our members,” he added.
Hosting the Conference in Addis Ababa coincides with the recent inclusion of the Ethiopian Federal Advocates Association (EFAA) into EALS membership.
The decision to move the venue of the conference has been welcomed by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who termed it as bold, as he had earlier criticised the Samia Suluhu government for the torture of activists, Boniface Mwangi, and Agatha Atuhaire, who had gone to show solidarity to Tundu Lissu, who was appearing in court last month.
Sifuna had asked that the conference be moved to another country in the wake of the human rights violations.
“Thanks to the leadership of the East Africa Law Society, led by President Abubakar, for this bold decision to strip Tanzania of hosting rights for the EALS conference. I’m proud to have voted for you,” Sifuna, who is a lawyer. stated.
Emeritus Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and People’s Liberty Party leader Martha Karua, were also barred from getting to the courts in solidarity with Lissu, who is facing treason charges.
Sifuna also called for a ban on visits by Tanzania’s Chama Cha Mapinduzi Party leadership’s visit to Kenya.
According to Sifuna, Tanzania and Uganda are dictatorships, and Kenya should not be associating itself with them.
