The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) concluded its session in Kigali yesterday by among others, moving a resolution congratulating the newly elected President of Tanzania, Dr John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, on his ascension to the presidency.

The Assembly further commended the people of Tanzania on their commitment to peace and democracy as demonstrated during the general elections, and requested the new Tanzanian leader to address the Assembly at the earliest opportunity.

"Aware of the credible elections held in Tanzania, we would like to seize this great opportunity to extend to His Excellency, President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli our warmest congratulations and to wish him every success at a time of great expectations in Tanzania, the East African Community and Africa in general in terms of national unity, prosperity of the people in maintaining the position as a strong champion for regional integration and democracy in Africa,” a section of the Resolution moved by MP Jeremie Ngendakumana reads.

"We commend the opposition fraternity for a well fought battle, for behaving responsibly after the defeat, keeping in mind the peace and security, which are the common interest above any other individual interest.”

The general elections held, on October 25, in Tanzania were the fifth since the re-introduction of the multiparty democracy in the country in 1992. Since the first multiparty elections in 1995, Tanzania has enjoyed peaceful transfer of political power.

MP Mumbi Ngaru noted that the election of Dr Samia Suluhu, as the first Tanzanian female vice president, was good for the women of East Africa.

MP Martin Ngoga remarked that the ideology of deploying graduates and students in other regions of work and schooling was necessary towards consolidating the prevailing peace. "We must congratulate the founding father of the nation and the subsequent leaders”, he said.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw