EAC court resumes after 4-month hiatus

The East African Court of Justice (EACJ kicked off its September session in Arusha this week after taking a break since May due to lack of funding.

The judges started working on September 16, hoping to clear a backlog of casesby October 11.

“Due to financial challenges, the court was forced to call off its sessions in May and June, 2024. This has contributed to the increasing case backlog which stands at over 260 pending matters,” a statement from thecourtsaid.

Read:EACJ suspends sessions as severe funding crisis hits

The EACJ FirstInstance DivisionCourthas themajority of the cases filed by citizensofKenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Thesession, which runstoOctober11, will consider 25matters,including 15hearings of applications and main references.

Among the cases is the one of Kenyan opposition leader Marth Karua against the government, which will come up on September 24. Karua alleges that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission of Kenya declared William Ruto president after the 2022 general election in violation of the Constitution and laws of Kenya.

She also alleges that the Supreme Court presidential dispute resolution process failed to properly adjudicate the resultant dispute in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Kenya.

Read:Kenya top court: EACJ can’t review our decisions

AmatterpittingDRCongoand Rwanda overtheinsecurity in eastern Congo will comeup on September26.

The court willalsohear apetitionfiled by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, disputing his impeachment in 2020.

Read:DRC sues Rwanda at EA Court over crisis in east

Meanwhile, theregionalcourt isstillfacing a shortage ofjudges in theFirstInstance Division, which requires threejudges from Kenya, South Sudan, and Somaliaafter theretirement of Deputy Principal JudgeDr Charles Nyawello from South Sudan andresignation ofCharles Nyachae from Kenya.A judge from Somalia is yet to be appointed.

“It is expected that these vacancies shall be filled with the appointment of Judges at the next Summit of Heads of State in November 2024,” the Courtsaid.