MAGUFULI GETS "STOP ORDER" FROM NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON EPA.

By. Staff Reporter, Dar es Salaam
 

ATTEMPTS by the fifth phase government of Tanzania under President John Pombe Magufuli to reconsider whether or not to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) have been thwarted by the country’s National Assembly.

 

During the last East African Community Heads of States Summit in Dar es Salaam, the partner states allowed more time for consultations. Specifically, Tanzania, needed more time to reconsider the various options on the economic partnership.

 

But the resolution made by the country’s National Assembly in session in Dodoma to stop the government from signing the EPA agreement in its current form, means President Magufuli’s options are minimized.

Constitutionally, a resolution of the National Assembly as an important pillar of the government is a binding advisory, says a law Professor based in Dar es Salaam.

 

Reports from Dodoma reveal that most Members of the Assembly contributed against any move to sign the agreement. Most of them citing the lack of protection of local industries if the current EPA document is signed, said the Agreement has to undertake comprehensive amendments.

 

In July, 2016 the Kenyan Daily Nation newspaper quoted some European MPs as backing efforts not to sign the deal to allow more time for consultations.

 

The story read http://www.nation.co.ke/news/European-MPs-back-deadline-extension-of-EPA-trade-deal-with-EAC/1056-3305940-vykty0/index.html