East African Legislative Assembly sessions suspended due to financial constraints

ARUSHA, Tanzania

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has suspended its activities for the first half of 2025 due to a severe cash crisis.

The decision, reached during a meeting of the EALA Commission and Committee Chairpersons on February 6, 2025, comes as the Assembly struggles with financial constraints linked to delayed contributions from some East African Community (EAC) Partner States.

“This decision was reached during a sitting of the EALA Commission and Committee Chairpersons held on the 6th February 2025, to review the Assembly’s calendar,” EALA stated in a statement.

The cash crunch has been an ongoing issue, with some partner states failing to remit their financial obligations on time. In recent years, South Sudan and Burundi have been among the worst defaulters, with South Sudan alone owing over $22 million in past contributions, as reported in late 2022.

The financial instability has forced EALA to suspend legislative sessions and other critical activities in the past.

In response to the crisis, Joseph Ntakirutimana, Speaker of EALA, has initiated discussions with key EAC leaders to resolve the matter.

“The Speaker of EALA has initiated a follow-up discussion with the Hon. Beatrice Asukul Moe, The Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, and H.E. Veronica Mueni Nduva, the Secretary General of the East African Community, to urge Partner States that have outstanding contributions to remit their dues promptly to enable the resumption of activities,” the statement added.

A review of the financial situation is expected within the next three weeks. In the meantime, the Assembly has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering regional integration despite the setback.

“EALA remains committed to its mandate of promoting regional integration through Legislation, Oversight, and Representation. We are optimistic that the ongoing consultations will yield positive outcomes, allowing the Assembly to resume its critical functions as soon as it is practicable,” EALA assured in its statement.

The financial challenges facing EALA point to the broader issue of funding sustainability within the EAC. Without timely contributions from Partner States, the regional legislative body risks further disruptions, which could hinder the progress of key legislative and oversight functions necessary for deepening East African integration.