Somalia Recommits to East African Integration The Federal Republic of Somalia has renewed its pledge to fully integrate into the East African Community (EAC). This announcement was made during a meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and EAC Secretary-General Peter Mathuki in Mogadishu. Somalia first expressed interest in joining the EAC in 2012. Since then, the country has implemented various reforms to meet the criteria for membership, including establishing a democratic government, developing a stable economy, and enhancing regional cooperation. Benefits of EAC Membership Joining the EAC offers numerous benefits for Somalia, including: * Increased trade and investment: The EAC provides a vast market of over 177 million people, creating opportunities for Somali businesses to export goods and attract foreign investment. * Reduced trade barriers: Within the EAC, member states enjoy reduced tariffs and other trade restrictions, facilitating the flow of goods and services. * Free movement of people and goods: Citizens of EAC member states can freely move and work within the region, promoting labor mobility and economic growth. * Enhanced security and stability: The EAC promotes regional cooperation on security and peacebuilding, which is crucial for Somalia’s stability. * Access to development funds: The EAC provides access to financial support and technical assistance for regional development projects. Steps Towards Integration Somalia has already taken several steps towards integration, including: * Establishing a Somali chapter of the East African Business Council. * Ratifying the EAC Customs Union Protocol. * Establishing a Joint Commission on Cooperation with Kenya. Next Steps The next steps for Somalia include: * Completing the ratification process for all EAC treaties and protocols. * Establishing a functional customs and border control system. * Harmonizing its laws and regulations with EAC standards. * Strengthening its institutions to effectively participate in regional initiatives. Conclusion Somalia’s renewed commitment to East African integration is a significant step towards its long-term development and prosperity. By joining the EAC, Somalia will gain access to a larger market, boost its economy, and enhance its security and stability. It is a testament to the country’s determination to play an active role in the region and benefit from the opportunities that integration offers.## Somalia Reaffirms Commitment to East African Community Integration## Somalia Reaffirms Commitment to East African Community Integration Arusha, Tanzania, 17th June 2024: The Federal Republic of Somalia has reaffirmed its commitment to integrate into the East African Community (EAC), demonstrating strong participation in a key regional meeting currently taking place in Nairobi, Kenya. The week-long meeting, attended by delegates from EAC Partner States, aims to develop a comprehensive roadmap for Somalia’s integration into the EAC, marking a significant step towards strengthening regional cooperation and economic integration. During the opening ceremony, EAC Secretary-General Veronica Mueni Nduva highlighted the historical context and importance of the roadmap for Somalia’s integration into the bloc. “The Federal Republic of Somalia became a full member of the EAC in March 2024, after officially depositing its instrument of ratification of the Treaty of Accession with the Secretary-General of the EAC in Arusha, Tanzania. Today’s meeting means a fundamental milestone in this journey, aligning Somalia’s national processes with regional frameworks to ensure comprehensive integration,” he said. Ms Nduva said that the roadmap will incorporate activities that should be carried out jointly by Somalia and EAC bodies and institutions. “The roadmap outlines essential activities categorized into national and community-oriented initiatives. These include aligning Somalia’s legal framework with established regional standards and ensuring robust participation in EAC programs and activities,” he added. The Secretary-General said that the roadmap, once finalized, will serve as a strategic tool to synchronize programs and mobilize resources effectively across the Community. Somalia’s entry into the Community will see the country benefit from EAC regional infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, and energy networks. “These projects aim to improve connectivity, improve transport links, and boost regional trade, ultimately supporting Somalia’s economic development and integration,” Ms Nduva said. Somalia has the longest national coastline in Africa, at over 3,000 km, linking Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, which the region can leverage to increase intra-regional trade and improve the lives of East Africans. For his part, Dr. Abdusalam H. Omer, Somalia’s Special Presidential Envoy to the EAC, expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders to shape a roadmap to ensure Somalia’s effective integration into the block. “The Federal Republic of Somalia remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving the goals of the East African Community, fostering unity, prosperity, and peace throughout the region,” he said. Dr. Omer reaffirmed Somalia’s readiness to play an active role as a contributing member of the Community. “We are dedicated to working closely with all stakeholders to achieve a brighter and more prosperous future for all EAC member states and their citizens,” he said. Speaking at the event, the Hon. Beny Gideon Mabor, Undersecretary of the Ministry of East African Affairs of the Republic of South Sudan, praised Somalia’s eagerness to integrate into the community. “Somalia has assured us that it intends to play an active role in the growth and prosperity of the East African region and is committed to participating in initiatives that promote sustainable development, job creation, and improving the standard of living of its citizens.” Somalia is set to elect nine (9) Members of Parliament to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and appoint a judge to the Trial Division of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), further cementing its commitment to the regional integration process. Also present at the meeting were: the Deputy Secretary-General of the EAC in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social, and Political Sectors, His Excellency. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth; Community Advocate, Dr. Anthony Kafumbe; the Deputy Secretary of the EACJ, Her Excellency Christine Mutimura Wekesa; and delegates from EAC Partner States.The Federal Republic of Somalia has reaffirmed its commitment to the integration of the East African Community (EAC). This was announced by the Somali Foreign Minister, Abdi Said Muse Ali, during a meeting with the EAC Secretary-General, Peter Mathuki, in Mogadishu on Thursday. Muse Ali said that Somalia is committed to the integration process and is ready to play its part in the development of the region. He added that Somalia’s accession to the EAC would be a major step forward for the country and would provide it with access to a wider market, increased investment, and enhanced security. Mathuki welcomed Somalia’s commitment and said that the EAC is ready to support the country’s integration process. He added that the EAC is committed to promoting peace and stability in the region and that Somalia’s accession would be a positive step in this regard. The two sides agreed to work together to develop a roadmap for Somalia’s accession to the EAC. The roadmap will outline the steps that need to be taken by both sides in order to facilitate the country’s integration into the bloc. The EAC is a regional intergovernmental organization of six partner states: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The organization was established in 1967 with the signing of the Treaty for East African Cooperation. The EAC aims to promote cooperation and integration among its member states in various areas, including trade, investment, tourism, and security.