Somalia became the Eighth Partner State of the East African Community by submitting its instrument of ratification of the Treaty of Accession with the EAC Secretary General during a ceremony in Arusha, Tanzania on Monday, the EAC stated.
Somalia's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi, submitted the nation's instrument of ratification to the EAC Secretary General, Peter Mathuki, finalizing the admission process in accordance with the EAC Admission Procedure of New Members.
Mathuki then officially declared Somalia as a new member of the Community in accordance with the EAC Admission Procedure for New Members.
“Today’s occasion of Somalia depositing the instruments of the ratification with the Secretary-General, will enable Somalia to kick off the process of joining EAC’s areas of cooperation,” said Mathuki, as cited by the media.
These areas encompass trade, investment, industrial development, and the unrestricted movement of people, labor and services, he reportedly added.
Mathuki further stated that Somalia now has the approval to participate in the drafting of a plan for its inclusion in 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.
The official added that Somalia may take advantage of the EAC's regional infrastructure projects like roads, trains, and electricity networks by entering the Community.
“These projects aim to improve connectivity, enhance transportation links and boost regional trade, ultimately supporting Somalia’s economic development and integration,” said the Secretary General.
Mathuki further noted that Somalia has the longest national coastline in Africa, spanning over 3,000 kilometers. It connects Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, providing an opportunity to use Somalia's blue economic resources, enhance regional trade, and benefit the population of East Africa.
Somalia's head of delegation, Haji Abdi, in turn expressed Somalia's eagerness to contribute to EAC integration by using its strategic location and significant national resources for the region's benefit.
“We recognize the importance of adding value to the Community, enhancing collaboration with our neighbors and promoting regional economic and social development through increased trade, bilateral agreements and joint programs and projects,” said Abdi.
The EAC was founded in 1999 by the leaders of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It has since expanded to include Burundi and Rwanda in 2007, South Sudan in 2016, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2022.
In December of last year, Somalia formally took a significant step towards integration into the bloc by signing the Treaty of Accession, solidifying its position as the eighth member state.
Last month, the country's lower house of parliament has approved the agreement to join the organization, completing the legal process of joining the bloc, according to state media.
Somalia is now expected to establish a ministry and appoint a minister to oversee EAC affairs, as mandated by the treaty. It should also elect nine members of parliament to the East African Legislative Assembly and assign a judge to serve in the First Instance Division of the East African Court of Justice.