The 2nd Bench of the COMESA Court of Justice has begun winding up business ahead of the expiry of its tenure at the end of this month after serving for 10 years. The Court is set to conclude its only remaining case this week.

The case involves a labour dispute between the COMESA Secretariat and a former staff and begun hearing final submissions, Monday 4 May 2015 in Lusaka. The Court is expected to deliver judgment at the end of this week thus clearing the desk for the incoming bench whose tenure begins in June 2015.

Principal Judge Hon Samuel Rugege presided over the session of the Court with fellow Judges Hon Menbere Tadese, Hon. Adrien Nyankiye, Hon James Ogola and Hon. Luke Malaba.

Similarly, the Appellate Division of the Court concluded its last matter in February 2015 with the issue of a landmark Advisory Opinion. This was with regard to the extent of privileges and immunities accorded to COMESA and its institutions. The Opinion was delivered by Appellate division Judges Nzamba Kitonga (President of the Court), Hon. Ernest Sakala and Hon. Dr. Borhan Amrallah.

In the Advisory Opinion, the judges stated that the immunities and privileges granted to COMESA Institutions did not extend to commercial transactions between individuals or entities and the Institutions.