The Rule of Law and Economic Development in the Great Lakes Region

KAS

The Conference sought to bring together young legal professionals to inter alia share experiences from their respective countries; build a strong network of young professionals committed to the promotion and protection of the rule of law; and more importantly, to explore possibilities on how to embed the concept of the rule of law in the promotion of economic development in the region.

The conference was graced by, among others, the Hon. Justice Philip K. Tunoi, the Vice-President of the East African Court of Justice and Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya, who presented a paper on “The East African Court of Justice and its Contribution to Regional Rule of Law and Integration Process”; Ms Andrea Sasse, head of Press and Cultural Affairs of the German Embassy in Nairobi; Prof. Christian Roschmann, Director, Rule of Law Program for Sub Saharan Africa and Prof. Hartmut Hamann, Freie University, Berlin.

Other notable speakers at the conference included Prof. Migai Akech, Faculty of Law, University of Nairobi who presented a paper on the "The Rule of Law in Kenya"; Ms. Rhoda Rutto, State Counsel, Attorney General’s Chambers of Kenya who presented a paper on “Devolution in Kenya under the new Constitution, 2010”; Prof. Stanislas Makoroka, Dean faculty of Law, University of Burundi; Prof. Jean-Michel Kumbu, University of Kinshasa; Prof. Adalbert Sango Mukalay and Prof. Kalala Ilunga-Matthiesen from the University of Lubumbashi; Prof. Jean Claude Mubalama, Catholic University of Bukavu and Prof. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, National University of Rwanda.

There was general consensus among the participants that the rule of law was indeed a prerequisite to economic development. Further, the concept of the rule of law as an active ingredient in the realisation of economic development was thought to be inextricably attached to the protection and promotion of human rights.

The conference also critically analysed the East Africa Community and the attendant benefits for the member States. The justification for pulling together was the improvement of economic lives of the people through the establishment of common customs union, common market, monetary union and ultimately the creation of a federation.

The participants were unanimous that to achieve economic development in the region, there is need for member States to ensure the natural values and principles of good governance and the Rule of Law are observed.