EAC starts process for Somalia admission
By Mutuku Mwangangi, January 13, 2023
East Africa Community (EAC) member states have started the process of admitting Somalia into the bloc, a move aimed at expanding the economic fortunes of the regional hub.
Somalia’s membership to EAC is also meant to stabilise ties with her neighbours as well as strengthen the fight against terrorism, particularly the al-Shaabab terror group.
If successful, the entry of Somalia will bring to eight the number of member states, a year after the admission of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Other members are Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and South Sudan.
Speaking at the ongoing staff retreat for the East African Community Secretariat, East African Legislative Assembly, East African Court of Justice (EACJ), and EAC staff at Maanzoni lodge in Machakos yesterday, EAC secretary general Peter Mathuki (pictured) said Somalia could be admitted before the end of the year.
Insecurity factor
Somalia expressed interest in joining EAC in July last year.
Mathuki said the entry of Somalia would help boost the economy of the region by increasing the current annual income of $10 billion to the projected target of $20 billion.
But there is also the insecurity factor, but Mathukui says it will be easier to handle the challenge as a region.
“Dealing with insecurity in Somalia will be much easier once it is a member of EAC. Whatever problems they have will be solved better within the framework of EAC,” said Mathukui.