Somalia

Somalia appoints minister in charge for EAC affairs

Ali Mohamed Omar, appointed as the State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. (Handout)

By Mwangi Maina | Thursday, June 27, 2024

This appointment highlights Somalia's commitment to deeper integration within the EAC.

Somalia's Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, appointed Ali Mohamed Omar as the State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Thursday, specifically responsible for East African Community (EAC) Affairs.

This appointment highlights Somalia's commitment to deeper integration within the EAC.

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Somalia became a full member of the EAC in March 2024, after officially depositing its instruments of ratification of the Treaty of Accession with the EAC Secretary-General.

Somalia’s integration roadmap within the EAC is progressing rapidly, outpacing even the Democratic Republic of Congo, which joined the EAC two years prior.

Last week, EAC delegates adopted a report on Somalia’s integration, recommending that the EAC Council of Ministers approve the roadmap for Somalia’s full integration into the community.

This roadmap outlines the necessary activities Somalia must undertake to align with other Partner States and includes joint activities between Somalia and EAC Organs and Institutions to facilitate its integration.

The roadmap ensures that Somalia's legal framework aligns with established regional standards and promotes robust participation in EAC programs and activities.

Somalia's Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim, acknowledged the challenges of integration, particularly legal aspects, but expressed Mogadishu's readiness to proceed with the process and join the community in fostering growth.

Somalia, boasting the longest national coastline in Africa at over 3,000 kilometres, connects the continent to the Arabian Peninsula, presenting substantial opportunities to enhance intra-regional trade and uplift the lives of East Africans.

Somalia is set to elect nine Members of Parliament to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and appoint a Judge to the First Instance Division of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), further affirming its dedication to the regional integration process.

The East African Community (EAC) was established in 2000 and is headquartered in Arusha.

Its mission is to foster economic growth by eliminating customs duties among member states, having established a common market in 2010.

Somalia's primary economic activities revolve around the livestock and agriculture sectors, which are highly susceptible to climate change.

Livestock remains Somalia's main export, followed by bananas, fish, hides and skins, and charcoal.

The Horn of Africa country is also believed to possess potential offshore resources like oil and gas.