Somalia Officially Joins the Community of East African States (EAC)
In an exciting development for the region, Somalia has officially become the newest member of the Community of East African States (EAC). The EAC, which already comprises Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), welcomed Somalia into its fold on Friday.
The decision to admit Somalia was announced by Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the current head of the EAC. The Somali President Hassan Cheikh Mohamoud was present to express his gratitude and optimism for the future. He sees Somalia’s accession to the EAC as a sign of hope, opening up a world of possibilities and opportunities for his country.
The EAC, established in 2000, aims to promote regional integration and facilitate cross-border trade. One of its key achievements was the establishment of a common market in 2010, which eliminated customs duties between member states. With Somalia now on board, the EAC covers an area of 4.8 million square kilometers and has a combined GDP of $305 billion.
The inclusion of Somalia in the EAC brings several advantages. With a population of around 17 million, Somalia’s membership expands the potential market of the EAC to over 300 million people. Moreover, Somalia’s extensive coastline, stretching over 3,000 kilometers, offers great potential for trade and economic growth within the region.
However, it is important to acknowledge that Somalia’s integration into the EAC comes with challenges. The country has been grappling with the insurgency of al-Shabaab, an extremist group linked to al-Qaeda, for more than 16 years. Kenya and Uganda have been contributing troops to the African Union mission in Somalia to combat this threat. The EAC will need to work closely with Somalia to address security concerns and ensure the stability and progress of the region.
Additionally, Somalia’s record on governance, human rights, and the rule of law raises concerns. The Mogadishu-based think-tank, Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, highlights the need for Somalia to improve in these areas to fully integrate into the EAC. Strong governance and respect for human rights are essential for fostering economic development and regional cooperation.
Overall, Somalia’s official membership in the EAC is a significant step towards expanding the bloc’s presence in East Africa. It offers new opportunities for trade, economic growth, and regional cooperation. However, it also presents challenges that must be addressed. With concerted efforts and collaboration, the EAC and Somalia can work together to overcome obstacles and unlock the full potential of the region.
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