Faith Nyasuguta
Somalia has taken a historic step by officially joining the East African Community (EAC) as the eighth member state, signing the Treaty of Accession.
The signing ceremony took place at Entebbe State House in Uganda, witnessed by key leaders, including Somalia’s President Sheikh Hassan Mohamud, the chairperson of the Summit of EAC Heads of State President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan, President Yoweri Museveni, and EAC Secretary General Peter Mathuki.
The significance of Somalia’s entry into the EAC was highlighted during the ceremony, with President Kiir emphasizing the boost in regional and continental trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He welcomed Somalia into the EAC, citing the bloc’s achievements in customs union, common market, monetary union, and political federation.
President Mohamud expressed pride in Somalia’s admission to the EAC, describing it as a realization of collective aspirations and a beacon of hope for future opportunities. He pledged support for the integration process, aiming to facilitate the free movement of goods, people, and services between Mogadishu and other partner states.
President Museveni underscored the need to strengthen free trade within the bloc and congratulated Somalia for joining the EAC. He highlighted the regrouping of the East African region and encouraged the expansion of the community.
EAC Secretary General Dr. Mathuki outlined the next steps, indicating that Somalia has six months to deposit the instruments of the Treaty of Accession at the EAC headquarters. Following this, the integration roadmap will commence, with the secretariat prepared to facilitate Somalia’s seamless integration into the EAC.
The leaders expressed optimism about the positive impact of Somalia’s membership on people-to-people connections and the broader East African region. President Kiir noted that the integration would bring mutual benefits, aligning with the spirit of African unity.
The official entry of Somalia into the EAC signifies a significant development in regional collaboration, trade, and economic integration, contributing to the shared goals of the member states.
Late last month, South Sudan President Salva Kiir officially assumed the role of Chair of the East African Community (EAC), succeeding Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye.
The EAC chairmanship rotates among member states, with each holding the position for a one-year term.
In his address at the 23rd Summit of EAC Heads of State in Arusha, Tanzania, President Kiir emphasized the importance of collaboration among regional leaders to address shared challenges.
Leading the body for one year, Kiir expressed confidence in the EAC’s ability to tackle issues, reaffirming South Sudan’s commitment since joining in 2016.
Beny Gideon, the undersecretary in South Sudan’s Ministry of East Africa Community Affairs, noted that Kiir’s leadership of the regional bloc would offer leverage to address concerns within both the EAC and the African Union.
RELATED:
