The Federal Republic of Somalia reaffirmed its commitment to integrating into the EAC during a one-week meeting held from 17 to 21 June 2024, with the EAC and Partner States in Nairobi, Kenya. Twenty Somali delegates, including the Special Envoy to the President as well as the Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Ministry, attended the meeting, which aimed at developing a comprehensive roadmap for Somalia's integration into the EAC, marking a significant step towards bolstering regional cooperation and economic integration.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the EAC Secretary General, Ms. Veronica Mueni Nduva, noted that the roadmap will incorporate activities that will be jointly undertaken by Somalia and the EAC. "The roadmap outlines essential activities categorised into national and community oriented initiatives. These include aligning Somalia's legal framework with established regional standards and ensuring robust participation in EAC programmes and activities," she added, and highlighted that the roadmap will serve as a strategic tool to synchronise programmes and mobilise resources effectively across the Community.
On his part, Dr. Abdusalam Omer, Somalia’s Presidential Special Envoy to the EAC, expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in shaping a roadmap that will ensure the effective integration of Somalia into the bloc. Additionally, the outcomes of the meeting and priority areas of Somalia’s integration were presented to development partners to identify areas of joint cooperation.
The development of a roadmap is part of the EAC-GIZ Cooperation and will be furthered by the high-level East African Community Conference with the Somalia President in Mogadishu.
More information can be found on the EAC website here.