All government institutions, including regional administration and local government offices, will now be using the East Africa Community (EAC) emblem, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Regional and International has announced.
The ministry’s Head of Communications, Ms Mindi Kasiga, told reporters in Dar es Salaam yesterday the symbols include the EAC flag and anthem, which will be used alongside national symbols.
Ms Kasiga said the private sector, most especially learning institutions, including universities, are also required to have the EAC symbols as part of educating and promoting the EAC among the youth.
“The symbols will be used in all public offices and private offices that usually have the national symbols that is the Union flag and the national anthem — and most especially in schools and universities to promote and educate the youths on EAC,” Ms Kasiga explained.
She noted that the EAC flag is supposed to fly alongside the Union flag, meaning that whenever there is any event where the national anthem is sung, the EAC anthem must also be played.
The symbols must be used by ministries, independent departments, public institutions and agencies, Ms Kasiga added,explaining that her ministry will work with the Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI) to make sure the EAC symbols are available in all local government offices. The ministry will coordinate availability of samples of the EAC symbols, whose costs will be shouldered by each institution.
“All ministries and other government institutions must liaise with the ministry for further clarifications on availability and use of the EAC symbols,” she added. The move is in line with the implementation of the Treaty for the establishment of the EAC, section 7 (a), which requires the public in all the member states to be part and parcel of the community, including being informed on all different steps being taken by the community.
According to Ms Kasiga, the move to have the EAC symbols used alongside national symbols is not just for Tanzania but for all EAC member states. “The 5th Phase Government, under President John Magufuli, who is also the current EAC Chairperson, will ensure Tanzanians participate fully in all EAC projects to know the benefits and opportunities available in the region,” she explained.
Meanwhile, former President Benjamin Mkapa, will lead the peace dialogue on Burundi conflict expected to begin on May 21 and 24 at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC).
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni remains the main mediator and the Burundi peace talks were earlier scheduled for between May 2 and 6 under the new facilitator (Mr Mkapa); but were later postponed. Mr Mkapa was appointed as the facilitator of the Burundi peace talks at the 17th Ordinary Summit of EAC heads of State in Arusha in March.
The deadly violence in Burundi erupted after President Pierre Nkurunziza announced he would run for a third term, which he won under controversial circumstances last July.
The opposition in Burundi said President Nkurunziza violated the constitution’s two-term limit as well as the Arusha Agreement that ended the 12-year civil war in the tiny central African country.
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