Tanzania: EAC partner states urged to step up cooperation in disaster management

Arush, Tanzania - East African Community (EAC) Partner States have been urged to step up co-operation in disaster management as no single state has the capacity to individually deal with it.

Opening the first meeting of the EAC Partner States’ Heads of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Coordination in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Wednesday, the EAC Deputy Secretary General (In charge of Political Federation) Hon. Beatrice Kiraso, said disasters-both natural and man-made—have far reaching effects on livelihood of individuals as well as heavy consequences on societies. And the preparedness is very important, needing sufficient resources, both financial and human.

"Disasters are a security concern and have direct linkage with conflicts, humanitarian issues and can undermine social harmony while creating fertile ground for insecurity if not adequately responded to," she told the delegates attending the two-day meeting.

She pointed to the recent incidents in South East Asia as yet another reminder of the need to ensure adequate preparation and development of internal capacity to address the immediate consequences, inculcate resilience and restore capacity for recovery. In the region, Hon. Kiraso cited Lake Victoria boat disasters, mudslides because of unexpected heavy rains or earthquakes and recent bomb explosions as example of incidents that could have been addressed more urgently.

"To achieve required goals requires unity of purpose and must be approached from a multi sectoral perspective," the EAC official added.

She asked the delegates to propose practical and affordable mechanisms for co-operation in disaster preparedness and response across the region.

The Chairperson of the meeting, Nibaruta Anicet from Republic of Burundi, noted that disaster management was not an option ‘’but a requirement for all Partner States’’. In his opening address, he underscored the need for the region to work on improved resilience from impact of disasters.


Note to the Editors:

The meeting of Heads of Disaster Management was recommended during the third meeting of the Sectoral Council on Inter-State Security in April 16,2010 in Bujumbura, Burundi, in order to enhance and give practical form to the various identified critical areas of co-operation in the Peace and Security Sector.

This is a deliberate effort to enhance the Peace and Security Strategy adopted by the 13the EAC Council of Ministers in 2006 and duly given legal identity in the Draft Protocol on Peace and Security.

For more information please contact: Owora Richard Othieno, Head of Department; Corporate Communications and Public Affairs; Tel: +255 784 835021; Email: othieno@eachq.org

Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department
EAC Secretariat
Arusha,
Tanzania
http://www.eac.int