The Chief Justice of Somalia, Bashe Yusuf Ahmed, visited the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) in Arusha, Tanzania, on Tuesday, July 30, in what he described as part of efforts to foster cooperation between his country and the regional court.
According to an EAC statement, Ahmed said that Somalia is a nation emerging from decades of conflict and was therefore committed to strengthening her judiciary and aligning it with regional standards.
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"The East African Court of Justice, with its commendable history of promoting justice and upholding the rule of law within the EAC is a model for us at the Supreme Court of Somalia,” said Ahmed.
Ahmed, who was received by the Judge President of the EAC, Justice Nestor Kayobera, said that Somalia was seeking to learn from the experiences and expertise of the EACJ as she strives to establish a fair, impartial and efficient justice system.
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"We have been working tirelessly to rebuild and strengthen our legal frameworks, enhance judicial independence, and ensure that justice is delivered efficiently and fairly for all. We recognise that peace, stability, development and prosperity are inextricably linked to the establishment of a just and equitable legal framework,” said Ahmed.
Ahmed reaffirmed that Somalia which joined the East African Community (EAC) in March was committed to strengthening and rebuilding its institutions and playing its important role within the EAC.
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"Our visit to the EACJ is a significant opportunity for us to share views, experiences, best practices and learn from each other and more importantly, it is a new beginning, new chapter and opportunity for building strong relationships, mutual cooperation and partnerships between the Somalia judiciary and the EACJ,” he said.
"The challenges we are facing as a region are complex and interconnected. We must confront them collectively, drawing on the strengths of our diverse communities. The East African Court of Justice and other Community institutions demonstrate that through cooperation and share values, we can overcome adversity and build a brighter future for our people and the generation yet to be born.”
Ahmed underscored the importance of a strong and independent judiciary guaranteeing peace and stability at the national and regional levels.
"We believe that a strong and independent judiciary, as the custodian of justice, doesn’t merely resolve conflicts, but is essential for creating a sense of security among the population, contributing to rebuilding of a nation that stands on the principles of equity and justice, attracting investment, promoting trade, and advancing good governance,” he added, and emphasised Somalia’s commitment to investing in capacity building of its judges, prosecutors and legal professionals.
Ahmed said that by working together, EACJ and the Somalian Judiciary can enhance their capacities to deliver justice, protect the rights of EAC citizens and contribute to the overall development and prosperity of the region.
On his part, Kayobera underscored the importance of judicial diplomacy whereby judiciaries regularly interact with their counterparts at the national and international levels to share experiences, best practices and to learn from one another. He hailed Ahmed for making the maiden visit to the regional court.
Justice Kayobera said it was important for newly admitted EAC partner states to understand the role of the EACJ as a neutral arbiter on the interpretation of the Treaty for the establishment of the EAC, its functions and mandate, saying that this would ensure the smooth running of the regional bloc.
Justice Kayobera disclosed that Somalia was expected to appoint a Judge to sit in the First Instance Division, in the near future.
Also present at the event were the EACJ Principal Judge Yohanne Masara, the Counsel to the Community, Anthony Kafumbe, the Adviser of the Chief Justice of Somalia, Dr. Ahmed Ali Khayre, the Deputy Registrar of the EACJ, Christine Mutimura-Wekesa, and the Deputy Clerk at the East African Legislative Assembly, John Mutega.