Waziri Membe awapokea Rais Museveni na Rais Nkurunziza kwa ajili ya Mkutano wa Ukanda wa Kati kuhusu Uwekezaji

Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa Mhe.Bernard K. Membe (Mb) akimpokea Rais wa Uganda Mhe.Yoweri Kaguta Museveni  alipowasili katika Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa Julius Nyerere, Jijini Dar es Salaam. Mhe. Rais Museveni yupo nchini kwa ajili ya kushiriki Mkutano wa Wakuu wa Nchi wa Ukanda wa Kati kuhusu Uwekezaji na Viwanda unaofanyika kwenye Ukumbi wa Mikutano wa Kimataifa wa Julius Nyerere kuanzia tarehe 25 hadi 26 Machi, 2015.

Rais Museveni akipokea shada la maua kutoka kwa mtoto Balkis Mvungi kama ishara ya kumkaribisha nchini Tanzania.

 Rais Museveni akikagua gwaride la heshima 

Rais Museveni na Waziri Membe wakiangalia burudani ya ngoma za asili uwanjani hapo.

Waziri Membe akiwa ameongozana na Rais Museveni mara baada ya kukagua gwaride na kushuhudia ngoma za asili.

.....Waziri Membe akimpokea Rais wa Burundi Mhe.Piere Nkurunziza.

Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa Mhe.Bernard Membe akimpokea Rais wa Burundi Mhe.Pierre Nkurunziza mara baada ya kuwasili katika uwanja wa ndege wa kimatafa wa Mwalimu Julius Njerere.

Rais Nkurunziza akipokea shada la maua kutoka kwa mtoto Balkis Mvungi kama ishara ya kumkaribisha nchini Tanzania.

Mheshimiwa Nkurunziza akifurahia ngoma za asili muda mfupi mara baada ya kuwasili.

Waziri Membe akimtambulisha Waziri wa Fedha Mhe. Saada Mkuya kwa Rais Nkurunziza mara baada ya kuwasili nchini.

Picha na Reginald Philip. 

Waziri Membe mgeni rasmi Maadhimisho ya miaka 25 ya Uhuru wa Namibia

Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Mhe. Bernard K. Membe (Mb.) akitoa hotuba wakati wa maadhimisho ya miaka 25 ya Uhuru wa Jamhuri ya Namibia. Maadhimisho hayo ambayo yaliandaliwa na Ubalozi wa Namibia hapa nchini yalifanyika katika Hoteli ya Hyatt Regency Jijini Dar es Salaam tarehe 23 Machi, 2015. Namibia ilipata uhuru wake mwaka 1990.

Sehemu ya Mabalozi na Wakuu wa Mashirika ya Kimataifa waliopo hapa nchini wakifuatilia hotuba ya Mhe. Waziri Membe (hayupo pichani) wakati wa maadhimisho ya miaka 25 ya uhuru wa Namibia. Kulia ni Mkuu wa Mabalozi na Balozi wa Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia ya Congo (DRC), Balozi Juma Alfani Mpango.

Sehemu nyingine ya Mabalozi na Wageni waalikwa wakati wa maadhimisho hayo

Waziri Membe akiwa na Balozi wa Namibia hapa nchini, Mhe. Japhet Isaack wakisikiliza wimbo wa Taifa la Namibia kusherehekea miaka 25 ya uhuru

Balozi Isaack akitoa hotuba wakati wa maadhimisho hayo

Waziri Membe na Balozi Isaack wakikata keki kuadhimisha miaka 25 ya Uhuru wa Namibia

Mabalozi na Wageni waalikwa wakifuatilia matukio wakati wa maadhimisho ya miaka 25 ya uhuru wa Namibia

Wageni waalikwa 

Kikundi cha burudani kikitumbuiza kuadhimisha miaka 25 ya uhuru wa Namibia
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STATEMENT FOR HON. BERNARD K. MEMBE (MP), MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA ON THE OCCASION OF COMMEMORATING 25^TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA, 23^RD MARCH 2015

Your Excellency,. Japhet Isaack, High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia,

Your Excellency, Juma Alfani Mpango, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,

Your Excellency, Prof. Ambrósio Lukoki, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola and Dean of the African Diplomatic Group,

Your Excellencies Ambassadors and High Commissioners,

Heads of International Organizations,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me a great pleasure to grace this historic event of commemorating 25 years of the Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Namibia. On behalf of the Government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania, and indeed on my own behalf, I would like to take this opportunity to extend to Your Excellency, and through you to the Government and the People of the Republic of Namibia, our profound and heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of celebrating this Silver Jubilee.

Your Excellency,

Since independence Namibia has experienced smooth transfer of power. It would be recalled that Namibia held its general elections on 28^th November, 2014. The elections were declared peaceful, transparent, free and fair by the Election

observers; I therefore take this opportunity to congratulate Namibia for its maturity in democracy. I would also like to congratulate the ruling party; South West African People’s Organization (SWAPO) for the landslide victory as well as congratulating H.E. Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia for assuming such high office, his victory is a clear reflection of the confidence reposed in him by the Namibian people.  Moreover on behalf of my government I would like to assure the new Government of the Republic of Namibia the commitment of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to work with it closely, for the mutual benefit of our two countries and their peoples.

Excellencies

To many in Africa and the world at large, Namibia was considered as a young country. But to the surprise of many and to our jubilation, the country has grown into an advanced economy unmatched by other African countries. To date, Namibia stands as one of the fastest growing economies in the Southern African region. Its impeccable record in poverty alleviation and improving the living standards of many Namibians has won it many accolades in the world. All these achievements were realized under the excellent leadership of the Namibian leaders, from H.E Sam Nujoma to H.E Hifikepunye Pohamba. With the new leadership in place, we in Tanzania are convinced that H.E Geinghob will uphold the excellent principles set by his predecessors.

Your Excellency,

Two days ago, I attended the 25^th Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Namibia in Windhoek. The celebration was one of its kind as it was attended by many dignitaries from across Africa and and beyond. One thing that striked me the most was the high level of patriotism demonstrated by the Namibian people towards their Country and leaders. The peaceful hand over of power from H.E Hifikepunye Pohamba to H.E Dr. Hage Geinghob was done amidst chants and cheers from the thousands of Namibians who attended the celebrations. This is a true testament to the level of democratic maturity that has been achieved by Namibia. What was clear to many is that Namibians have chosen their destiny well. They choose peace, over chaos, political stability over dissent and harmony over instability. In line with its motto, it is clear that unity, liberty and justice prevails in Namibia and it is indeed the land of the brave.

Today’s Celebrations gives us a rare glimpse into the historic events that led to the independence of our long time friend, Namibia. Although, 25 years have passed since Namibia was relieved from colonialism, we cannot help but reminisce how Namibians were strongly united during the liberation struggle to ensure they put an end to colonial domination in their country. That unity went further till postcolonial era, Namibians have worked together to combat poverty and improve the living conditions of the people, thus moving Namibia closer to the realization of their medium- and long-term development objectives. The 2014 Mo Ibrahim Prize for African Leadership awarded to H.E. Hifikipunye Pohamba, Former President of the Republic of Namibia in recognition of the strides that the country has made over the years.

Excellencies,

Tanzania and Namibia enjoy excellent bilateral relations that have existed for time immemorial. These relations go back prior to independence of our sisterly country Namibia. As you may all recall, Tanzania supported Namibia’s liberation struggle. During that time the SWAPO office was here in Dar es salaam. Since that time our relations have remained excellent. It is our sincere hope that the new Government will leverage and translate the relations into more meaningful and beneficial economic relations to reflect the current Economic Foreign Policies of our two countries focusing on Economic Diplomacy as the second phase of Economic Liberalization. 

Your Excellencies,

Relations between Tanzania and Namibia are even stronger on sub-regional, regional and global spheres, our countries have been cooperating well in all matters of common concerns. We have been cooperating very well in  SADC, AU and UN.

­­­­­­

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

There is a lot to say about Namibia but today is not a day for making long speeches; it is a day for us to rejoice, a day to look back with satisfaction and to look forward with hope for we need to achieve more.  I therefore would like to conclude by reiterating our sincere congratulations to Your Excellency and, through you, to the Government and the People of the Republic of Namibia on celebrating 25^th anniversary of independence. We wish Namibia Government and all Namibians happiness and more expedited progress.

Your Excellency,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

May I now ask all of you present here to rise and join me in a toast:

·       To the continued good health of H.E. Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia;

·       To the excellent relations existing between our two sisterly countries;

·       To the continued good health of all of us present here tonight.

 Ahsante Sana

PRESS RELEASE

Prime Minister of Singapore, H.E. Lee Hsien Loong

 PRESS RELEASE

H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania has sent a condolence message to H.E. Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore following the death of his father and founding Prime Minister of Singapore, the late Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.

The message reads as follows:

“H.E. Lee Hsien Loong,

Prime Minister of Singapore,

SINGAPORE.

Your Excellency and dear brother,

I am writing to extend my deep condolences and that of the government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania following the death of your father and founding Prime Minister of your nation Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.

The demise of Prime Minister Yew is a great loss not only to Singapore but also to all who saw in him an example of a nation builder. The late Yew was admired by the people of Tanzania as a leader whose input in building Singapore is immeasurable, a selfless leader and a friend of all.

May sincere wish in remembering the late Yew is to emulate him in practice and always embracing his contribution as a leader and role model.

The People and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania                        will continue to pray for peace, compassion and strength for the family and the People of Singapore in the time of sorrow and also for the nation as ending’s demise is an immense loss to all Singaporeans.

Your Excellency,

Please accept my condolences and may the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace.

Please accept, Your Excellency the assurances of my highest consideration”.

Issued by: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dar es Salaam

23^rd March 2015

Waziri Membe awaasa waimbaji wa nyimbo za injili nchini kuwa chachu ya amani na uadilifu nchini

Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Bernard K. Membe (Mb.) amezindua albamu mbili za nyimbo za injili zinazokwenda kwa majina ya "Pisha Mbele" na "Ni Ujumbe wa Bwana" za mwimbaji Mercy Nyagwaswa katika hafla fupi ya uzinduzi iliyofanyika katika Ukumbi wa Ubungo Plaza uliopo Jijini Dar es Salaam tarehe 22 Machi, 2015. 

Askofu Mstaafu na Baba mzazi wa Mercy Askofu Nyagwaswa (wa kwanza kulia) akiwa pamoja na Mchungaji David Mangoti (wa pili kulia) na  Balozi Mstaafu Costa Mahalu wakimsikiliza Mhe. Membe (hayupo pichani) alipokuwa akihutubia wakati wa uzinduzi huo.  

Sehemu ya Wachungaji walioudhuria  uzinduzi wa albamu hiyo.

Mwimbaji wa Nyimbo za Injili, Bi. Mercy Nyagwaswa kulia akiwa na Mwimbaji mwenzake Bi. Upendo Nkone kwa pamoja wakimsikiliza Mhe. Membe ambaye  hayupo pichani alipozindua albamu zake za "Pisha Mbele" na Ni "Ujumbe wa Bwana". Wakati wa uzinduzi huo Waziri Membe alitoa rai kwa waimbaji wa nyimbo za injili nchini kuwa chachu ya amani na uadilifu ili nchi iendelee kuwa na utulivu na upendo. 

Mhe. Membe akiendelea kuzungumza

Bi. Mercy Nyagwaswa na kikundi chake akitoa burudani kwa mgeni rasmi pamoja na wageni waalikwa katika uzinduzi wa Albamu zake

Mhe. Membe na Askofu Mtaafu Nyagwaswa pamoja na wageni waalikwa wengine wakifurahia nyimbo zilizoimbwa na Bi. Mercy wakati wa uzinduzi wa album zake. 

Waziri Membe akikata utepe kuzindua  Albamu mbili za Bi Mercy Nyagwaswa.

Waziri Membe akimpongeza Bi. Mercy kwa kuandaag Albamu mbili kwa mara moja. 

Waziri Membe akiwa katika picha ya pamoja.

Picha na Reginald Philip

Magari ya Kitalii ya Tanzania ruksa kuingia Uwanja wa Jomo Kenyatta: Waziri Membe

 Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa, Mhe. Bernard K. Membe (Mb.) akizungumza na Waandishi wa Habari (hawapo pichani) kuhusu makubaliano ya pamoja yaliyofikiwa kati ya  Serikali za Tanzania na Kenya juu ya kuruhusu tena magari ya kitalii ya Tanzania kuingia Uwanja wa Kimataifa wa Jomo Kenyatta na kurudisha idadi ya awali ya safari za ndege za Kenya ambazo ni 42. Wengine katika picha ni Kaimu Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara hiyo Balozi Rajabu Gamaha (kushoto) na Mkurugenzi wa Kitengo cha Sheria, Balozi Irene Kasyanju.

Sehemu ya Waandishi wa Habari wakimsikiliza Waziri Membe

Sehemu ya Wakuu wa Idara na Vitengo wa Wizara  ya Mambo ya Nje na Ushirikiano wa Kimataifa wakifuatlia mazungumzo kati ya Waziri Membe na Waandhishi wa Habari. Kutoka kulia ni Kaimu Mkurugenzi wa Idara ya Diaspora, Bibi Rosemary Jairo, Mkurugenzi wa Idara ya Ulaya na Amerika, Balozi Joseph Sokoine,  Bw. Innocent Shiyo, Kaimu Mkurugenzi wa Idara ya Ushirikiano wa Kikanda, Balozi Mbelwa Kairuki, Mkurugenzi wa Idara ya Asia na Australasia na Bi. Mindi Kasiga, Mkuu wa Kitengo cha Mawasiliano ya Serikali.

Wakuu wa Idara na Vitengo wakifuatilia mazungumzo ya Waziri Membe na Waandishi wa Habari ambao hawapo pichani. (Picha na Reginald Philip)
================================

JOINT STATEMENT BY FOREIGN MINISTERS OF TANZANIA AND KENYA FOLLOWING THE MEETING BETWEEN HIS EXCELLENCY JAKAYA KIKWETE, PRESIDENT OF TANZANIA AND HIS EXCELLENCY UHURU KENYATTA, PRESIDENT OF KENYA HELD IN WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA ON 21^ST MARCH, 2015

His Excellency Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya met in Windhoek, Namibia on 21^st March, 2015 to discuss bilateral issues.

Both Presidents were in Windhoek to attend the 25^th Independence Anniversary and Inauguration of the 3^rd President of the Republic of Namibia, His Excellency Dr. Hage G. Geingob. Also in attendance were the Foreign Ministers Bernard K. Membe of Tanzania and Ambassador Amina Mohamed of Kenya as well as Engineer Michael Kamau, Kenya’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister. 

The main issues of the meeting revolved around transport and tourism sectors. In particular, the two Heads of State discussed the decision by the Ministry of Tourism of Kenya to bar Tanzania registered vehicles from accessing the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. They also discussed the decision by Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority to reduce the frequency of Kenya Airways flights operating between Kenya and Tanzanian Airports.

On the two issues under deliberation, the two leaders agreed on the following actions:

1.  To reinstate the status quo. This means, with immediate effect, Tanzania registered vehicles will access the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as before, while Kenya Airways will continue with its normal operations.

2.  Within four weeks, Ministers of Foreign Affairs will convene and chair a meeting of the parties including Ministers of Transport, Ministers of Tourism and Chiefs of Staffs in the two Presidencies to discuss and reach a mutual beneficial agreement. The first meeting will be held in Dar es Salaam on a date to be agreed by the conveners.

The meeting was held under a very cordial atmosphere with two Heads of State emphasizing the need to continue discuss openly issues affecting the brotherly and a long-standing bilateral relationship that exists between Tanzania and Kenya.

Done in Windhoek, Namibia on 21^st March, 2015.

TANZANIA CHILDREN'S PROJECT YAFANYA HARAMBEE KUSAIDIA WATOTO TANZANIA COLUMBIA, MARYLAN

Balozi wa Tanzania nchini Marekani Mhe. Liberata Mulamula akihudhuria harambee ya Tanzania Children's Project inayoshughulisha na miradi ya afya na elimu Tanzania iliyofanyika siku ya Jumamosi March 21, 2015 Columbia, Maryland. Kulia ni Timothy Lynch ambaye ni Rais wa NGO hiyo, Mhe. Balozi Liberata Mulamula aliongozana na Afisa wa Ubalozi Bw. Switebert Mkama(pichani kushoto)

Wadau mbalimbali waliohudhuria harambee ya Tanzania Children's Project iliyofanyika siku ya Jumamosi March 21, 2015 Columbia, Maryland nchini Marekani. 

picha ya pamoja

Picha ya pamoja

Kikundi cha muziki kikitoa burudani.

Rais Kikwete ampongeza Rais Mpya wa Namibia Dkt.Hague Geingob

Rais Dkt.Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akisalimiana na Rais Mpya wa Namibia Dkt.Hage Geingob wakati wa sherehe za kuapishwa kwake zilizofanyika katika Uwanja wa michezo wa Uhuru wa Namibia jijini Windhoek Machi 21, 2015 .Sherehe za kumuapisha Rais huyo wa tatu wa Namibia ziligongana na maadhimisho ya miaka 25 ya uhuru wa nchi hiyo


================================================

NAMIBIA MACHI 21,2015

Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Mheshimiwa Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete leo, Jumamosi, Machi 21, 2015, ameungana na viongozi mbalimbali wa Afrika na wananchi wa Namibia katika kusherehekea miaka 25 ya uhuru wa nchi hiyo na kuapishwa kwa Rais wa Tatu wa Namibia, Mheshimiwa Dkt. Hage Gotfried Geingob.

Mheshimiwa Geingob alikuwa Waziri Mkuu wa nchi hiyo kabla ya uchaguzi mkuu wa Novemba 28, mwaka jana, uliokipa ushindi mkubwa chama tawala cha SWAPO. 

Katika sherehe kubwa na ya kufana iliyofanyika kwenye Uwanja wa Michezo wa Independence mjini Windhoek, Rais Kikwete ameshuhudia Namibia ikiadhimisha miaka 25 ya Uhuru wake na makabidhiano ya uongozi wa juu wa nchi hiyo kwa amani kwa mara ya pili katika historia yake. 

Mheshimiwa Dkt. Geingob ameapishwa rasmi na Jaji Mkuu wa nchi hiyo, Mheshimiwa Peter Shivute saa sita na dakika 25 kwa saa za Afrika Mashariki, kiapo ambacho kilifuatiwa na kiapo cha Makamu wa Rais, Waziri Mkuu na Naibu Waziri Mkuu. 

Ujumbe wa Tanzania katika sherehe hizo uliwashirikisha pia marais wa zamani, Mzee Ali Hassan Mwinyi na Rais Ben Mkapa, ambao wote waliwasili mjini Windhoek usiku wa jana kwa ndege maalum ya Serikali ya Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania. 

Rais Kikwete ambaye aliwasili Namibia jioni ya jana, Ijumaa, Machi 20, 2015, kwa ajili ya sherehe za leo, ameungana na viongozi wengine kushuhudia nchi nyingine mwanachama wa Jumuia ya Maendeleo Kusini mwa Afrika (SADC) ikibadilisha viongozi wakuu kwa njia ya amani katika mwaka mmoja uliopita. 

Kabla ya sherehe ya leo ambako Rais Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba amekabidhi urais wa Namibia kwa Rais mpya, Mheshimiwa Dkt. Hage G. Geingob, nchi nyingine ambazo zimebadilisha viongozi katika mwaka mmoja uliopita ni Malawi, Mozambique na Zambia. 

Mbali na Rais Kikwete, viongozi wengine ambao wamehudhuria sherehe hizo ni pamoja na Mfalme Mswati wa Tatu wa Swaziland, Mwenyekiti wa Umoja wa Afrika na SADC, Mheshimiwa Robert Mugabe wa Zimbabwe, Baba wa Taifa la Namibia, Mzee Sam Nujoma, Rais wa Angola, Mzee Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, Rais wa Equatorial Guinea Mheshimiwa Obiang Nguema, Mwenyekiti wa Kamisheni ya Afrika Mheshimiwa Nkozana Dlamini Zuma, Rais wa Mozambique Mheshimiwa Felipe Nyusi na Rais wa Kenya Mheshimiwa Uhuru Kenyatta. 

Wengine ni Rais Khama Ian Khama wa Botswana, Rais Edgar Lungu wa Zambia, Rais wa Sudan Kusini Mheshimiwa Salva Kiir, Rais  Denis Sassou Ngwaso wa Jamhuri ya Congo, Waziri Mkuu wa Ethopia Mheshimiwa Haile Mariam Desaleny na Naibu Rais wa Afrika Kusini, Mheshimiwa Cyril Ramaphosa. 

Mbali na Mzee Mwinyi na Rais wa Tatu wa Tanzania, Mheshimiwa Benjamin Mkapa, baadhi ya viongozi wa zamani waliohudhuria sherehe hizo ni pamoja Rais Kenneth Kaunda wa Zambia, Rais Thabo Mbeki wa Afrika Kusini, Rais Jerry Rawlings wa Ghana, Rais Festus Mogae wa Botswana. 

Sherehe hizo zimegawanywa katika sehemu mbili, sehemu ya kwanza ikiwa ni Sherehe za Miaka 25 ya Uhuru na sehemu ya pili ikiwa ni Sherehe ya kuapishwa kwa Rais Hage Gotfried Geingob, ambaye anakuwa Rais wa Namibia akifuata nyayo za Mzee Nujoma na Rais Pohamba. 

Rais Geingob ni kiongozi wa kitaifa wa miaka mingi katika Namibia, akiwa ameshikilia nafasi ya Uwaziri Mkuu mara mbili. Awali kabisa, Hage Gotfried Geingob alikuwa mwalimu wa lugha ya Kiingereza, kabla ya kujiunga na harakati za ukombozi wa Namibia chini ya chama cha SWAPO. 

Mwaka 1971, Mheshimiwa Geingob alikuwa mwakilishi wa chama cha SWAPO katika Umoja wa Mataifa na katika nchi za Marekani na mwaka 1975 alichaguliwa kuwa Mkuu wa Chuo cha Umoja wa Mataifa (UN Namibian Institute) kwa ajili ya Namibia kilichokuwa mjini Lusaka, Zambia. 

Mheshimiwa Geingob alikuwa Mwenyekiti wa Kamati iliyotunga Katiba ya Namibia huru na mwaka 1989 alikuwa Mkurugenzi wa Uchaguzi wa Chama cha SWAPO kwa ajili ya uchaguzi mkuu wa mwaka uliofuata 1990 ambao chama hicho kiliushinda kwa kura nyingi. 

Baada ya uchaguzi huo, Mheshimiwa Geingob alichaguliwa kuwa Waziri wa Biashara na Viwanda, kabla ya kuchaguliwa Waziri Mkuu wa nchi hiyo, ambako alithibitisha kuwa kiongozi mwenye ufanisi na mwenye kuhakikisha mambo yanafanyika vizuri na kwa haraka. Aidha, alikuwa mwanzilishi wa Sera ya Maridhiano katika Namibia kufuatia uchaguzi mkuu huo wa kwanza wa kidemokrasia nchini humo.

Ends

Rais Kikwete awasili Burundi kulihutubia Bunge la EAC

Rais Dkt.Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete akipokea Maua kutoka kwa watoto waliokuja kumlaki katika uwanja wa ndege wa Kimataifa wa Bujumbura ambapo alianza ziara ya kikazi ya siku mbili.

Rais wa Burundi Pierre Nkurunzinza akimkaribisha Rais Dkt.Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete katika uwanja wa ndege wa kimataifa wa Bujumbura leo jioni.Rais Kikwete yupo nchini Burundi kwa ziara ya kikazi ya siku mbili ambapo anatarajiwa kulihutubia Bunge la Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki.

Rais Kikwete na mwenyeji wake Rais Pierre Nkurunzinza wa Burundi wakipokea heshima wakati nyimbo za Taifa za nchi zao zikipigwa

Rais Kikwete na mwenyeji wake Rais Pierre Nkurunzinza wa Burundi wakikagua gwaride liloandaliwa na jeshi la Burundi.

Rais Kikwete akiwa na Mwenyeji wake Rais Pierre Nkurunzinza wa Burundi jijini Bujumbura jana  jioni.
*****************

Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Mheshimiwa Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete jioni ya  Jumatano, Machi 18, 2015 amewasili nchini Burundi kwa ziara ya kikazi ya siku mbili nchini humo. 

Kwenye Uwanja wa Ndege wa Kimataifa wa mji mkuu wa Burundi wa Bujumbura, Rais Kikwete amepokelewa na Rais wa Burundi Mheshimiwa Pierre Nkurunzinza na pamoja na mamia kwa mamia ya wananchi wa Burundi. 

Rais Kikwete ambaye amewasili Burundi akitokea Dodoma ambako alikuwa katika ziara ya kikazi pia leo Machi 19, 2015, atahutubia Bunge la Nchi Wanachama wa Afrika Mashariki (EALA) katika nafasi yake ya Uenyekiti wa Mkutano wa Wakuu wa Nchi Wanachama wa Jumuia ya Afrika Mashariki (EAC) katika hotuba ya The State of the East African Community Address.

 Saa chache baada ya kuwasili Bujumbura, Rais Kikwete amehudhuria chakula cha jioni ambacho ameandaliwa na Rais Nkurunzinza kwenye Hoteli ya Panoramique. 
Wabunge wa Bunge la EALA pia wamehudhuria chakula hicho cha jioni.
Rais Kikwete ataondoka Burundi mara baada ya kuhutubia EALA kurejea mjini Dodoma kuendelea na ziara yake.


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ADDRESS BY H.E. JAKAYA MRISHO KIKWETE, CHAIRMAN OF THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA, TO THE MEMBERS OF   THE EAST AFRICAN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (EALA), BUJUMBURA, BURUNDI,

19^TH MARCH, 2015

Honourable Daniel Fred Kidega, Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly;

President of the Burundi National Assembly;

President of the Burundi senate;

Vice President of the Republic of Burundi;

Former President of Republic of Burundi, H.E. Ntibantinganya and Ndayizeye;

Invited Speakers;

Honourable Chairperson of the Council of Ministers;

Honourable Ministers;

Honourable Members of the East African Legislative Assembly,

Distinguished Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen;

         Let me begin by thanking you Honourable Speaker for the invitation to grace this Fifth Meeting of the Third Session of the Third Assembly.  I also thank you for the kind words you have said about me and the EAC.  Your speech combined a number of useful ideas. I wish I received it in advance so that I could respond in my speech.  I also thank our host, His Excellency President Pierre Nkurunziza for the warmth of reception and gracious hospitality.  You have received us so well and kept us very warm. Indeed, we feel very much at home.

I sincerely congratulate you, Honourable Speaker on your election to this esteemed position of leadership both in the East African Legislative Assembly and in the East African Community.  We all look into you for leadership and wisdom to steer the affairs of this House to greatest heights possible.    I wish you the best of luck and assure you of my personal support as well as that of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania in discharging your noble duty. Whatever way you think I or we can be useful please let us know.      

Honourable Speaker;

         I thank you, for affording me this rare opportunity to address this august Assembly.  This is the fourth time in the past 6 years I do so. It has always been a pleasure and an honour for me to share my thoughts with the distinguished Members of the East African Legislative Assembly about the East African community and the East African integration process.

Let me state at the outset that when one looks back through the tunnel of history one clearly appreciates the momentous achievements made by the East African Community todate. A lot of progress has been made both in building the institutions of the Community and in integrating the region. No doubt the East African Community has become a very strong institution both in terms of its organizational and institutional set up and in the functioning of its various organs and institutions.  With regard to the integration process, a lot of ground has been covered and successfully so.  

Status of Regional Trade

Honourable Speaker;

As you may recall, in the Charter establishing the East African Community, it was agreed that the entry point in our integration process will be the Customs Union, followed by the Common Market, later the Monetary Union and ultimately the Political Federation. The Customs Union which started in 2000 involved two things. Firstly, the free movement of goods produced in any EAC member state and secondly, a common external tariff. Goods are supposed to move freely across the borders of member countries without tariffs being charged and not encumbered by Non Tariff Barriers. 

It is heartwarming, indeed, to note that implementation of the Customs Union which started in 2000 up to 2005 has been a success. Indeed, goods which meet the criteria of rule of origin have been moving across borders without paying taxes however non tariffs barriers remain a challenge.  Progress has been made but the matter has not been resolved fully yet.

These challenges notwithstanding, intra East African Community trade has registered phenomenon increase in this short period of 10 to 15 years. Trade is now at 23 percent, over and above intra African trade figure of 12 percent.  There has been a 300 percent increase in the value of trade from, 2 billion US Dollars in 2005 to 6 billion US Dollars in 2014.  These numbers, coupled with the combined EAC GDP of 110.3 billion US Dollars with an average annual rate growth, of 2.6 percent makes our region a formidable trade and economic block in Africa. At the same time government revenues have recorded an increase year after year from 89.55 percent of the target in 2010 to 96.86 percent of the target in 2013.  During the discussions on the establishment of the Customs Union, the loss of government revenues was among the leading fears.  It has turned out different. One can, indeed brag to say, the EAC is next to none on the African continent.

We envisage more increased revenues when the Single Customs Territory becomes fully operational in the near future.  So far, the piloting exercises are progressing well in all member states. Indeed, it has proven helpful in reducing encumbrances to importers and in discouraging dumping and diversion of transit goods. Ultimately, it will be an effective tool of promoting trade and curbing revenue loss to governments.

Non Tariff Barriers

         It is incumbent upon us, therefore, to ensure that all remaining non-tariff barriers to trade are removed in the East African region.  We all admit that we have done very well in eliminating tariff related barriers, we must resolve to do away with the remaining non-tariff barriers. Commendable work has been and continues to be done to address the transport related ones such as road blocks, weigh bridges and other check points on the roads as well as customs red-tape at ports and exit points. The progress made so far, at the ports of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam and, on the Northern Corridor with regard to road blocks shows that it is possible to eliminate these non-tariff barriers.   Measures are being taken in earnest to reduce road blocks on the Tanzania side of the Central Corridor. I am sure in the next few months we will notice a huge improvement.

Honourable Speaker;                           

I am happy to inform this august East African Legislative Assembly that Police check points have been reduced from 15 points to 6 point. Our aim to reduce them to none except when need arises. Tanzania Revenue Authority checks from 3 to 0. Weighbridges have remained 8 but our plan is to reduce them to 3. We are introducing weigh-in-motion technology. One is already done at Vigwaza, two are on their way for Manyoni and Nyakahura. I am told with the current improvements alone, for a container to move from the port of Dar es Salaam to Kigali takes 3 days from the previous 8 days. It takes three and a half days to Bujumbura from the previous 8 days. 

I pledged during the 16^th Summit that during my time as a Chair of the EAC I will give due attention to elimination of Non Tariff Barriers in the East African Community. I intend to follow up on this pledge. I would appreciate the partnership and support of East African Legislative Assembly in this endeavour. We must make the EAC region the best place to do business.

State of Regional Infrastructure

Honourable Speaker;

         We must do everything within our power to reduce infrastructure related costs at the shortest possible time.  These are responsible, in a big way, to the high cost of doing business in our region.  It is estimated that, cost of transport in our region are 4 to 5 times higher compared to the developed countries. It is estimated that it accounts for about 30 to 40 percent of the price of goods in the landlocked countries. Investing in better and efficient ports, railways, roads, aviation services, energy and telecommunication are things we must continue to do. 

As you may recall, at the 2^nd East African Community Heads of State Retreat on Infrastructure Development and Financing held in Nairobi on 29^th November, 2012, we undertook to close the infrastructure gap by 2020. I note with a deep sense of satisfaction, the ongoing work, both in the Northern Corridor and the Central Corridor in this   regard. The East African Legislative Assembly should regulary request member states to report on progress being made on the implementation of the outcomes of the retreat.

Let us be reminded that the full integration of the East African Community region very much depends on the success of these efforts.  We must also know that the world we are in, and that ahead of us, has no place for fragmented markets, isolated industrial value chains and inadequate in country or cross border infrastructure.  Work with the Council of Ministers to devise ways and means to secure investments and funding for East African infrastructure programs and projects.

The State of the Common Market

Honourable Speaker;

         As stipulated in the Charter establishing the East African Community, the Common Market is the next stage after the Customs Union. As you may recall, the Common Market Protocol was signed in 2009 and came into force in 2010.  This Common Market is what answers the very question about movement of people, capital and services within the region.  The feedback from the East African Community Common Market Score Card 2014 presented at the last East African Community Summit in Nairobi shows that progress is not good enough.  For example, with regard to the Free Movements of Services, 63 measures out of 500 key sectoral laws and regulations of partner states were identified to be inconsistent with the Common Market Protocol.  73 percent of these are exclusively related to professional services. 

With regard to movement of goods, a lot has been done apart from non tariff barriers related to sanitary and phytosanitary measures.  In terms of movement of capital, only 2 out of 20 capital operations are free of restrictions in all partner states.  These two are related to external borrowing and repatriation of proceeds from sale of assets.

Honourable Speaker;

         The score-card reminds us that partner states are behind schedule in reviewing and amending national laws in accordance with the Common Market protocol. It impedes progress in the implementation of the Protocol and the East African integration process. We agreed at the recent Nairobi Summit that we should do more in our respective member states on the implementation of the findings and recommendations of the score-card.  I appeal to this august House to join hands in raising awareness and support for the speedy implementation of the findings and recommendations. We should help overcome embedded resistance and nationalistic sentiments.  

I appreciate the fact that, there are before this Assembly Bills that will help advance the building of the Common Market. I have in mind the East African Community Cross Border Legal Practice Bill (2014); the East African Community Electronic Transactions Bill 2014; and the East African Community Competition (Amendment) Bill (2015).  I hope you will treat them with the urgency they deserve.

 Peace, Security and Stability

Honourable Speaker;

         Ours is a regional integration undertaking derived from historical lessons of the defunct East African Community (1967 – 1977). Also, from the gains made by   the Tripartite Commission on East African Cooperation (1996-1999).  We all know what contributed to the demise of the previous EAC.  It is not my intension to dwell on the narration or the reasons and circumstances of its collapse.

When conceiving the new Community we all agreed that we should not repeat the mistakes of history neither be prisoners of it.  We also agreed to move cautiously making every step we take the building block of the next. Indeed, we started with the Tripartite Commission on East African Cooperation in 1996 and later in 1999 graduated into the East African Community. 

Honourable Speaker;

The principle of growth by stages is well enshrined in the Charter establishing the East African Community.  We have remained faithful to this principle. We started as 3 members we are now 5, with provision to others to join if they meet the terms and conditions. Among the terms include sharing a common border with a member of the East African Community and subscribing to the ideals of the East African Community. So far, South Sudan and Somalia have applied.

         Subscribing to the ideals of the democracy, good governance, human rights and rule of law are critical tenets of the East African Community. We all agree that better governed member states contribute to a prosperous region.  It is also true that badly governed member states frustrate the integration process. It impedes trade, cooperation, as well as movement of people, goods, services and capital.  Moreover, it deters investment and makes the region unfavourable destination for investment and trade.

         Peace, security and stability must and should continue to be high on our agenda.  I am happy that as I address this House, our region is peaceful, secure and stable.  Democratic values and institutions continue to take root and shape in our countries.  This year we will be having elections in Burundi, and a Referendum on proposed Constitution and General Elections in Tanzania.

The people of East Africa should join hands in wishing these two countries success in these important undertaking.  Let the elections be credible, free and fair which abide and respect the constitutions and the relevant laws of these countries. Let them come out of these processes, peaceful and united as a nation and a people.

Burundi

Honourable Speaker;

         To my Burundi brothers and sisters, let me say that I am aware of the anxiety over the electoral process ahead of you.  There are whispers and fear that this great country may lose the prevailing peace and stability garnered over the last decade and a half. There could be violence, some say. Honestly, that fear all of us and we dread the idea of violence coming back to Burundi. God forbid.

In my view, there are ways of doing things right and avoiding political instability and violence.  The leaders and the people of Burundi should do the following:

1)    Respect the constitution of Burundi and the Arusha Peace Accord to the letter and spirit. In the same vein respect the Electoral Laws of Burundi.

2)   Desist from resorting to violence to resolving your problems. That may land your country into bigger problems.

3)   Use dialogue as much as you can.  There are so many wise men and women and institutions to enable you do that.

4)   Involve the laws of Burundi when you feel the constitution or the electoral laws have been violated.

We all have trust in you that you will rise to the current challenges and overcome them.  You have been able to manage even more challenging situations than this.  I do not see why you should fail this time.  Pluck up courage, muster political will, everything will fall into place.

I want to assure you that the EAC stands ready to assist.  We will walk with you all step of the way as we did in the past.

Honourable Speaker;

         Our region is not without security challenges.  The fact that we are surrounded by other countries and regions in conflict, poses a security challenge to our region.  Therefore, we cannot avoid keeping our eyes on them and being of assistance when need arise.  It is in this regard, our region is involved in the DRC, South Sudan and Somalia.  We must continue to assist these two nations. It is in our best interest to do so since all of them are potential future members of the Community.

Honourable Speaker;

Terrorism and transnational crimes are security challenges facing our region which require a regional response for effective control and success.  I am glad that efforts are ongoing at regional level to address these challenges. There is closer cooperation between the defense and security organs of our respective countries. They share intelligence and undertake joint or coordinated actions.  This is very much welcome and we should encourage it. It is important that our region remains seized with the peace and security agenda, for it determines the sustainability and future of the EAC.

Role of EALA

Honourable Speaker;

         This esteemed House is one of the important pillars of our Community.  It is the organ that carries the voice and aspirations of our people.  This is where people’s interests are raised, aggregated and translated into laws.  Since ours is a people’s integration, then this House is at the heart of our integration endeavours.

         I commend the good work being done by this House. This is amply evident.  The Bills passed by this House give life and meaning to our integration aspirations.  It could not be possible for the EAC to achieve so much within this short period of its existance or without the good work being done by the EALA. Many of the Bills passed by this House and Resolutions adopted have contributed immensely towards advancing the EAC integration process.  I am glad to note that, in this session too, three important Bills will be discussed which if passed will impact positively on the facilitation of the Common Market and the Monetary Union.

Honourable Speaker;

         This Assembly must continue to be people’s Assembly and their first point of call.  You must be seen to be spending more time deliberating on issues of concern to the people of East Africa and not otherwise.  You must give prominence to issues which are regional in character rather than trivial national interests. We must see that East Africaness spirit in you.  I appreciate the efforts you are doing in reaching out to your respective National Parliaments, governments and various interest groups.  I am aware also, that during this meeting you will meet with the EAC Ambassadors in Burundi and hold consultations with the East African Trade Union Confederation (EATCU) and the East African Employers Association (EAEA). This is the way to go.  I urge you to do more of this all over East Africa.  This way, you will increase people’s awareness and enhance the relevance of this Parliament and the Community to them.

East Africa Court of Justice

Honourable Speaker;

           I am glad to report that another historic milestone has been laid with regard to the functions of East African Court of Justice.  At the 16^th Summit of Heads of State of the East African Community held in Nairobi on 20^th February, 2015, we adopted and signed the Protocol to operationalize the Extended Jurisdiction of the East African Court of Justice.  The extended jurisdiction covers trade and investment matters, as well as issues associated with the East African Monetary Union.  This is yet another important avenue to the East Africans to access justice and reap more benefits from their Community. It consolidates the integration process.

Way Forward

Honourable Speaker;

   Integration is not a one off event. It is multifaceted.  It takes time. As such, patience and understanding is absolutely important.  Otherwise, we may end up making mistakes which could be avoided. We must remain steadfast and focused on deepening and widening East African integration. Trade indicators and statistics confirm that this is happening steadily. However, we must not be complacent. In my view we need to do more in many ways. Allow me to mention two things of interest. One, we must increase the pace of the implementation of decisions and agreements of the various organs of the Community.  Recent report shows that, implementation of these decisions and agreements stands at 75.8 percent for Kenya, Rwanda at 75.7 percent, Tanzania at 66 percent, Burundi at 56.5 percent and Uganda at 48.1 percent.   At the last Summit we agreed to urge ourselves to ensure speedy implementation of the decisions we make and agreements we sign. We also applauded the idea to institutionalize mechanisms of tracking the implementation of decisions and agreements reached.

         Second, we must promote ownership of the integration process by the people of East Africa. As a matter of fact, the future and sustainability of the Community very much depends upon how far we succeed in making people of East Africa feel that they benefit from the East African Community.  The State of East Africa Report – 2013 by Society of International Development (SID) provides us with some important insights.  It suggests that the future of the region will depend on how we make growth inclusive and on narrowing the inequality gap within nations and in the region. Certainly, the answer lays in the deepening of integration and increasing investment and trade which have proven to be good catalysts for promoting prosperity and improving welfare of the people.  Integration is the best way forward, for no one country can overcome these challenges alone. I urge this Assembly to make its requisite contributions to advance the cause of integration.

Conclusion

Honourable Speaker;

We are all witnesses to the fact that a lot of progress has been made in our integration process.  What we have been able to achieve in this short period of time is truly amazing to us and the world at large.  The pace and depth of our integration process has been phenomenon.  We have demonstrated to the world that integration process can actually happen in Africa.  Therefore, the East African Federation and United States of Africa are not a mirage or distant dreams. They are possible and doable.  For us Tanzania, with 50 years experience of the Union between the then Tanganyika and Zanzibar, we know it is possible and doable.  We believe in it, we are living it and we look forward to live as East Africans in the East Africa Federation and, ultimately, as African citizens in the United State of Africa. Let us remain committed and steadfast in pursuit of these noble ideals. Nothing is impossible.  It can be done play your part.

With these many words, I thank you once again Honourable Speaker and members of this Assembly for the invitation. It is an honour I will always cherish. I thank you for your kind attention.