Somalia has formally joined the East African Community (EAC) as its 8th member state, solidifying the agreement through the signing of a treaty on Friday, December 15.
President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signed the treaty in the presence of the current EAC Chairperson and South Sudan President Salva Kiir, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, and officials from various EAC member states at a ceremony held in Entebbe, Uganda.
Expressing his honour and optimism for Somalia’s future within the EAC, President Mohamud stated:
“Today marks a historic chapter in Somalia. Standing before you is a profound honor as we officially become members of the East African Community. This move encapsulates not only our vision but signals a promising future, teeming with opportunities and capabilities for our society.”
The President also took to his official X handle to share the news. He wrote:
The East African country’s historic integration follows approval at the East African Heads of State Summit in Arusha, Tanzania, held three weeks prior in November.
Somalia’s accession to the EAC represents a significant diplomatic milestone, underscoring the nation’s commitment to fortifying ties with its East African counterparts.
The inclusion is poised to open doors to international markets and business opportunities, promising better prospects for the Somali people.
The East African Community, founded on November 30, 1999, is a regional bloc that is made up of eight countries in East Africa: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and most recently the Federal Republic of Somalia.
One of the bloc’s objectives is to widen and deepen co-operation “among the Partner States in political, economic, social and cultural fields, research and technology, defence, security and legal and judicial affairs, for their mutual benefit.”
The EAC headquarters is located in Arusha, Tanzania.