Nairobi – The East Africa Law Society (EALS) has expressed concern over statements made at the Tanzania‑Kenya Business Summit in Dar es Salaam on 4 May 2026, warning that the remarks could indicate coordinated cross‑border enforcement against civic actors within the East African Community (EAC).
In a formal statement, EALS said the comments, attributed to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and delivered in the presence of Kenyan President William Ruto, appeared to suggest joint state action targeting “disruptive youth” involved in civic activism and public protests. The legal body emphasized that such individuals are typically engaged in constitutionally protected activities, including advocacy, civic engagement and demands for government accountability, rather than criminal conduct.
EALS highlighted that any suggestion of cross‑border enforcement of civic participants raises serious legal and human‑rights concerns under both international and regional frameworks. The society reminded member states of their obligations to respect, protect and fulfil civic freedoms irrespective of territorial boundaries, as required by the EAC Treaty and relevant human‑rights instruments.
The statement also referenced ongoing cases before the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), where EALS is a co‑applicant challenging alleged restrictions on civic space in the region. The society urged that the recent developments be formally recorded and examined within the broader legal proceedings already underway before the court.
“Coordinated approaches that could suppress civic expression must be assessed against existing legal and constitutional safeguards,” the EALS statement read. “State actions must not undermine the fundamental rights to freedom of expression, assembly and participation, which are essential pillars of democracy in East Africa.”
The legal body called on governments of the EAC to ensure that civic engagement and public participation remain protected, and to refrain from any measures that could be perceived as intimidation or repression of civil society actors. EALS indicated that it will continue to monitor the situation and pursue appropriate legal remedies where necessary.
