The Federal Republic of Somalia has finally joined the East African Community (EAC) as the bloc’s eighth Partner State.
This follows the Horn of Africa country depositing her instrument of ratification of the Treaty of Accession with the EAC Secretary General at a ceremony held at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.
Somalia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi, presented the Horn of Africa nation’s instrument of ratification to the EAC Secretary General Peter Mathuki, completing the admission process in line with EAC Procedure for Admission of new members.
Mathuki said Somalia now has the green light to contribute to the development of a roadmap for her integration into the EAC.
“The roadmap will detail how the Federal Republic of Somalia will implement various EAC Commitments such as the Customs Union, Common Market, Monetary Union and Political Federation,” said Mathuki.
He noted that by joining the Community, Somalia stands to benefit from the EAC’s regional infrastructure projects such as roads, railways and energy networks.
“These projects aim to improve connectivity, enhance transportation links and boost regional trade, ultimately supporting Somalia’s economic development and integration,” added Mathuki.
Somalia boasts the longest national coastline of over 3,000 km in Africa, linking Africa to the Arab Peninsula, which the region can tap into to exploit Somalia’s blue economic resources and increase intra-regional trade and improve the lives of East Africans.
Speaking at the event, Somalia’s head of delegation Haji Abdi, said that his country was eager to contribute to the EAC integration by leveraging on her strategic location and abundant national resources for the benefit of the entire region.
“We recognise the importance of adding value to the Community, enhancing collaboration with our neighbours and promoting regional economic and social development through increased trade, bilateral agreements and joint programmes and projects,” said Abdi.
The Minister disclosed that Somalia aims to play an active role in the growth and prosperity of the East African region, adding that Somalia was committed to participating in initiatives that promote sustainable development, job creation and improved living standards for EAC Citizens.
“Somalia is ready to play its role as a contributing member of the Community, working hand in hand with each of you so that we have a brighter and more prosperous future for all EAC member states and their citizens,” said Abdi.
Somalia is also expected to elect nine Members of Parliament to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and appoint a Judge to sit in the First Instance Division of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ).