East African Community advances talks on Somalia's membership

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Deliberations by the East African Community (EAC) on the potential inclusion of Somalia in the intergovernmental organization reached a pivotal juncture Thursday.

The discussions, initiated last week in Nairobi, culminated with the issuance of a statement by the EAC Secretariat underscoring the organization's commitment to an expanded and vibrant regional bloc fostering amplified trade both within its member states and across borders.

"The report of the negotiations will be submitted to the EAC Council of Ministers for consideration before the Summit makes the final decision on the admission of Somalia into the Community," the EAC said in a statement.

The EAC Secretariat said the comprehensive report detailing the outcomes of the negotiations is poised for submission to the Council of Ministers.

The pivotal step precedes the definitive decision-making process which rests with the EAC Summit for the final verdict on Somalia's admittance into the EAC community.

Rebecca Miano, the Cabinet secretary for the East Africa Community, said Somalia's inclusion in the EAC will strengthen its foundation and amplify economic growth through increased trade volumes, joint initiatives and collaborative efforts in various sectors.

"We intend to create wealth and prosperity for our people. A big and expanded market that the admission of Somalia will usher in will be a major boost for the private sector, itself a great milestone in the integration process," Miano said.

She added that the EAC was keen on an expanded and vibrant bloc with high volumes of trade within itself as well as with other blocs.

Somalia has the longest national coastline in Africa, at over 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles), linking the continent to the Arabian Peninsula.

The EAC bloc's population reached 312 million in 2022 and comprises seven countries located in East Africa.

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