INTRODUCTION
1.
The Reference dated 8th November 2010 is premised on the
provisions of Articles 6(9), 7(2) and 30(1) of the East African
Community Treaty as well as Rule 24(1) of the East African
Court of Justice Rules of Procedure (hereinafter referred to as
“the Treaty” and “the Rules” respectively).
2.
The Applicant, Plaxeda Rugumba (hereinafter referred to as the
“the Applicant”), claims that she is the natural elder sister of
one, Seveline Rugigana Ngabo, a Lieutenant Colonel in the
Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), the Defence Force of the Republic
of Rwanda (which is a member of the East African Community,
hereinafter referred to as the “EAC”.)The Applicant alleges in
paragraph 5 of the Reference that:
“(a) One Seveline Rugigana Ngabo, a Lieutenant Colonel in
the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF), was arrested by the
agents of [the] Rwanda Government on 20th August,
2010;
(b)
Lieutenant Colonel Ngabo’s next of kin including his wife
and children were not told why he had been arrested;
(c)
Lieutenant Colonel Ngabo is believed to still be in
detention in any place within Rwanda (sic);
REFERENCE NO.8 OF 2010
Page 2