Organisers cite political uncertainty and lack of safety guarantees for delegates

The East Africa Law Society (EALS) has made a bold decision to relocate its 30th Annual Conference and General Meeting from Zanzibar, Tanzania to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The announcement, made Monday by EALS President Ramadhan Abubakar, has sparked debate across the region.

In a formal communiqué, EALS cited growing safety concerns and political instability in Tanzania—especially with general elections approaching—as the key reasons behind the move.

“While Zanzibar was our original venue, recent developments have made it clear that a change was necessary,” the statement read. “We had to put the safety of our members first.”

The annual event is one of the largest gatherings of legal professionals in East Africa, drawing over 45,000 members from across the region, including a strong delegation from Kenya. This year’s conference was also meant to mark 30 years since EALS was founded.

Political Climate Raises Red Flags

The decision to move the event comes amid rising international concern about Tanzania’s human rights record and strained relations with civil society.

While the EALS avoided directly criticizing Tanzanian authorities, their statement referenced the country’s “unpredictable political environment” and a lack of “firm guarantees” regarding the safety of visiting delegates.

The shift also follows recent high-profile incidents, including the controversial deportation of Kenyan activists, among them Martha Karua and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga. Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi also claimed he was tortured while detained in Tanzania—allegations that have further damaged the country's image among regional civil society groups.

Kenya’s Legal Community Reacts

In Kenya, the decision was met with widespread support. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK)—a founding member of the EALS—has had a long-standing role in the society’s leadership and regional influence.

Nairobi Senator (unnamed in the original statement) praised the move. “Thanks to the leadership of the East Africa Law Society led by President Rama Abubakar for this bold decision,” he said. “I’m proud to have voted for you.”

While the new host city—Addis Ababa—marks a significant shift, it’s seen as a neutral and stable venue, especially given its role as a diplomatic hub for Africa.

What This Means

The relocation sends a clear message: regional legal institutions are willing to act when the safety and democratic values of their members are at risk. It also places pressure on governments across East Africa to uphold human rights and protect civic spaces—especially ahead of tense election cycles.

The EALS conference is expected to proceed in Addis Ababa as scheduled, with further updates to be shared with delegates in the coming days.