People Centered EAC: Perspectives on the Operating Environment for Civil Society

Organizations in EAC Partner States

Prudence SEBAHIZINational Coordinator

EACSOF Rwanda

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• Meaning of Operating Environment according to CIVICUS: Conditions within which civil society works; forces that shape and influence the size, extent and functioning of the civil society ‘space’.

• Factors affecting Operating Environment:– INTERNAL: CSOs legitimacy, transparency and accountability;

connections between CSOs;– EXTERNAL: the legal and regulatory environment, public attitudes, trust,

tolerance and participation, corruption, communications, technology and resources.

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Conceptual Framework

• Unfavorable legal frameworks;• Political environment (intimidation, unnecessary bureaucracy,

negative perceptions, etc.);• Delays in processing applications for registration;• Limited awareness and wrong perception of CSOs by Partner

States Government.• How to enhance and sustain the Consultative Dialogue

Framework?• How to engage at national level?

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Key Issues Affecting CSOs Operating Environment in EAC Partner States

• Work out a Funding Mechanism for CDF to ensure sustainability;• Making the national dialogue for a work (e.g. quarterly NDF at national level

that would feed into the SG Forum)• Establish a clear structure and coordination mechanism amongst CSOs; BUT-

Recognizing differences in governing systems of Partner States• Encourage close collaboration between CSOs and Governments at national

level;• Establish a Dialogue Framework between CSOs and EALA on one hand, and EACJ

on the other;• CSOs representatives should be invited to EALA sessions and national

Parliaments sessions;4

Recommendations

• Define clearly what CSOs are and create awareness on CSOs amongst government officials;

• To assess the contribution of CSOs to the Economy of the Partner States;• CSOs should be held accountable to the people they represent;• Encourage advocacy based on evidence both at national and regional

levels;• Ensure consistent legislation at local, national and regional level;• CSOs should establish a self assessment mechanism and aim at self-

regulation; - CSO of the Year Award in Kenya.

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Recommendations (Cont’d…)

• Governments should secure budgets for CSOs to discourage donor dependency;

• CSOs should participate actively in the ongoing institutional review of the EAC and amendment of the Treaty to articulate people’s interests;

• CSOs should give their voice on the proposed Political Integration of EAC;

• Review of the Rules on Granting Observer Status

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Recommendations (Cont’d…)