After more than ten years of lobbying, Somalia has been granted admission into the East African Community (EAC). The ratification by the Somali Federal Parliament will make the membership official. The application process initially began in 2011 under former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and faced obstacles due to alleged hesitancy from some member states.
Current President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud appointed a special envoy to accelerate the admission process shortly after taking office for a second term in August 2022. Mohamud has expressed the belief that Somalia’s membership will bring benefits to both Somalia and the existing EAC members.
Critics have raised concerns about potential security challenges with Somalia’s admission, but experts argue that Somalia has demonstrated progress in its fight against al-Shabab and point to security issues in other EAC members. Critics also question Somalia’s capacity to adhere to the treaty rules and resolve internal disputes, as well as concerns about potential economic disadvantages for the country in joining the bloc at this time.
The EAC was established in 2000 and aims to foster economic growth through the elimination of customs duties among member states and a common market. Somalia’s primary economic activities are vulnerable to climate change, but the country also has untapped offshore resources like oil and gas.
Amidst the debate, Somalia’s future within the EAC remains uncertain as the country faces internal challenges and the potential for conflict with Somaliland and Kenya. However, there is optimism that Somalia’s admission into the EAC could lead to a focused effort to eliminate al-Shabab and benefit both the country and the region.