Somalia Officially Joins East African Community as 8th Member

“Today marks a significant milestone in our historical quest for economic prosperity, as #Somalia officially joins the East Africa Community. This historic milestone is due to the sheer hard work, persistence, and pragmatic leadership of our President, H.E. @HassanSMohamud,” said Somalia’s Ministry of Planning on X.

Its membership in the regional economic community, EAC, is expected to play a vital role in Somalia’s state-building efforts, economic growth, trade partnerships, infrastructural development, regional peace, and security, promoting intergovernmental relations and maritime access.

This will also give Somalia access to representation at the regional level in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

The decision to admit Somalia has been reached after several negotiations and verification processes chaired by Mrs. Tiri Marie Rose from the Republic of Burundi. Dr. Abdisalam Omar, Special Envoy of Somalia, served as the lead negotiator for Somalia throughout these processes which started in 2012.

Also at the summit, South Sudan's President H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit assumes the chairmanship of the East African Community, taking over from the President of Congo, Évariste Ndayishimiye.