They’re seeking compensation for those affected by this which they argue violates the treaty establishing the East African Community.

The case in the East African Court of Justice will take years to hear.

The civil society groups are hoping the publicity it generates now will give the governments of Uganda and Rwanda pause to the think about the effects of their diplomatic spat.

The groups say women traders at the border posts are being driving into poverty.

Since February, Rwandan President Paul Kagame has blocked goods coming into his country from Uganda and  prevented his citizens from crossing into the neighbouring country.

The government of Kigali and Kampala have exchanged accusations of interference in each others’ affairs.

The post Rwandan and Ugandan governments sued over border closure appeared first on Jean-Jacques Cornish.

The request has gone to Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni who has to consider the regional security threat posed by calling such a meeting.

Burundi shunned an East Africa Community summit at the beginning of this month.

Now its calling for a meeting of regional leaders and stipulating its agenda.

President Pierre Nkurunziza blames his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame for his troubles since 2015 when he contested an unconstitutional third term in power.

He alleges Kagame is offering military training to Burundian refugees who left the country after an attempted coup that year.

Kagame, in turn, accuses Burundi of sheltering FDLR rebels responsible for the genocide in his country 24 years ago.

The post Burundi requests regional summit to discuss open conflict with Rwanda appeared first on Jean-Jacques Cornish.