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Somali Parliament Speaker Adan Madobe arrives in Nairobi for EAC meeting

Somalia's ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle and Speaker of Somalia's Parliament Adan Madobe in Nairobi. (X/Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle)

By Abdirahman Khalif | Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Adan was welcomed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Somalia's ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle.

Speaker of Somalia's Parliament Adan Madobe arrived in Nairobi on Tuesday to attend the 17th session of the Bureau of East African Community (EAC) Speakers.

This is the first time Adan is participating in the EAC Speakers' meeting, which is also the first such meeting since Somalia joined the East African Community.

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Adan was welcomed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Somalia's ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle.

The Ambassador confirmed that Adan would meet with his counterparts from other EAC member states in bilateral meetings.

"The speaker will also engage in bilateral meetings with his counterparts," said Ambassador Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle.

The meeting of EAC Speakers is set to take place on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

Hon. Speaker, Sheikh Adan M. Nur arrived in Nairobi today to attend 17th session of the Bureau of #EAC Speakers. During his stay, the speaker will also engage in bilateral meetings with his counterparts. This marks 1st gathering of EAC speakers since #Somalia became a member EAC pic.twitter.com/O2b4x9s1b7
— Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle (@Ijabril) May 28, 2024

Prior to this, on Monday, clerks of the National Assemblies and Parliaments of the EAC met to prepare working documents and the agenda for the session.

The Bureau of EAC Speakers, established in 2008, aims to create a functional working relationship among the Speakers of EAC Partner States and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

This is intended to enhance the role of national legislatures in the EAC integration agenda. Membership in the Bureau has grown to include eight national legislatures and the EALA.

Rule 7 of the Rules of Procedure of the Speakers' Bureau stipulates that the Clerk of the East African Legislative Assembly heads the Secretariat of the Bureau, coordinating all activities.

During their preparatory meeting, the clerks reviewed the report of the 13th EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games (IPG) held in Kigali, Rwanda, in December 2023. They also discussed arrangements for the 14th Edition of the EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games, which will be held in Kenya later this year.

The clerks serve as the technical officers of their respective national legislatures, forming the technical arm of the Bureau of EAC Speakers.

EALA, through such collaborative efforts, seeks to advance a more integrated and harmonised regional legislative framework. This underscores the important role of parliamentary collaboration in achieving the aspirations of East African nations.

The participation of Somalia in these proceedings signifies the increasing inclusiveness and regional cooperation within the EAC, reflecting broader goals of political and economic integration in the region. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to further the legislative agenda and strengthen ties among member states.