ARUSHA, Tanzania May 21, 2024- The Ford Foundation has reiterated its commitment to empowering future generations with the tools necessary to advance justice in Africa. The foundation is exploring collaborative pathways with the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) to bolster justice and expand civic space across the East African Community (EAC) region.
During a courtesy call to the EACJ offices in Arusha, Tanzania, in early May 2024, Ms. Jessica Horn, the Ford Foundation’s East Africa Regional Director, met with Justice Nestor Kayobera, Judge President of the EACJ. The two leaders discussed potential areas of collaboration, focusing on strengthening legal education and capacity-building initiatives within the region.
“By equipping law schools with the tools to navigate the legal resources available at the EACJ, we empower future generations of legal professionals to contribute effectively to the advancement of justice and the rule of law in East Africa,” said Ms. Horn.
The meeting facilitated constructive dialogue on the critical role of the Ford Foundation in supporting initiatives that advance justice, protect human rights, and uphold the rule of law globally. Representatives from both organizations emphasized the importance of equitable access to justice and the strengthening of democratic institutions as pillars for sustainable development and social progress.
Discussions delved into the challenges and opportunities faced by the Court in promoting regional integration, resolving disputes, and upholding the principles of the EAC Treaty. Ms. Horn highlighted the collaboration as a significant opportunity to enhance legal education and capacity-building initiatives in the region.
Justice Kayobera shared insights into the pivotal role of the Court in safeguarding the principles of the Community and ensuring adherence to legal standards across Partner States. He underscored the Court’s importance as a beacon of legal integrity within the region and the necessity of training lawyers on the intricacies of Community law.
“Empowering legal professionals with this knowledge enables them to effectively support the people of the region in the alignment of Community law and fostering a more just and equitable society for all in the region,” said Justice Kayobera.
The meeting presented various potential areas for collaboration with the EACJ, reflecting the Court’s commitment to advancing justice, strengthening legal frameworks, and promoting regional integration within the EAC. These areas include:
Training initiatives for Judges and court staff in various thematic areas to enhance the Court’s jurisprudence.
Supporting Judges through the engagement of legal researchers.
Sponsoring the annual EACJ Judicial Conference.
Organizing a Bar-Bench Forum to convene justice actors in the region.
Compiling and publishing EACJ Law Reports.
Conducting studies on the implementation of Court decisions by EAC Partner States.
Providing training for Judges from national judiciaries.
Sponsoring a regional moot court competition for university students.
The Ford Foundation and the EACJ are committed to advancing justice, promoting human rights, and upholding the rule of law within East Africa. This meeting marked a foundational step towards a mutually beneficial partnership aimed at addressing the region’s most pressing challenges.
Accompanying Ms. Horn were Senior Programme Officer Ms. Margaret Mliwa and Grants Manager Ms. Esther Ngoda, further demonstrating the Ford Foundation’s commitment to collaborative efforts in the region.