EAC lawmakers face off as regional parliamentary games kick off in South Sudan

JUBA (AGENCIES) – The 12th Inter-Parliamentary Games (IPG) kicked off in Juba, South Sudan on Friday.

The annual games bring together Regional Assemblies and National Parliaments from the East African Community (EAC).

The President of South Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit officially opened the IPG games, which are coordinated by the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

Kenyan speaker of parliament Moses Wetang’ula is leading the Kenyan delegation in Juba. The games play a fundamental role in enhancing interaction between EALA member States with Members of the National Parliament in the partner states, staff, and East African citizens as a whole as stipulated in article 49(2a) of the Treaty for the Establishment of East African Community.

The theme for this year’s 12th edition of IPG games is; “Widening and Deepening Integration by increasing visibility to its citizens.”

Members of Parliament and staff will compete in various sports disciplines including football, netball, athletics, tug-of-war, volleyball, golf, basketball and darts for People with Disabilities (PWD). PWD is a newly introduced sporting discipline.

Kenya is expected to dominate athletics and will seek to reclaim the soccer title.

The day kicked off with a half-day pre-tournament meeting, followed by a procession through Juba City.