Somalia to deposit instrument of ratification for Joining the East African Community in June 2024

The Federal Republic of Somalia inches much closer in its bid of joining the Arusha-based East African Community with the signing of Treaty of Accession at the Entebbe State House in Uganda.

The second step after this, is for the Horn of Africa Country to deposit the instrument of ratification in Arusha, Tanzania, before June 2024, for Mogadishu to be enlisted among EAC member states.

Somalia President Sheikh Hassan Mohamud inks the treaty of accession for the Horn of Africa nation alongside the Chairperson of the Summit of the East African Community’s Heads of State, Salva Kiir Mayardit, who is also the President of the Republic of South Sudan.

Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the host witnesses the signing ceremony which is being attended by the Secretary General of the East African Community, Dr Peter Mutuku Mathuki, among other dignitaries.

During their 23^rd Ordinary Meeting in Arusha recently, the Summit of the East African Community Heads of State considered the Report of the EAC Council of Ministers on the Negotiations with the Federal Republic of Somalia into the community and resolved to admit Mogadishu as a full member of the Community.

The regional Heads of State further designated the Chairperson of the Summit, Salva Kiir Mayardit, to discuss and agree with Somalia on when to sign the Treaty of Accession of Somalia into the Community.

The Summit further directed that within six (6) months after the signing of the Treaty of Accession, Somalia shall be required to deposit the instrument of ratification with the EAC Secretary General in Arusha, Tanzania.

 The Heads of State also directed the EAC Council of Ministers to develop a roadmap for the integration of Somalia into the Community and report progress to the next meeting of the Summit.

 Other Partner States of the EAC which is essentially the fastest integrating bloc in Africa, include the Republic of Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Rwanda, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.

Also expected to join the regional block anytime soon is Ethiopia and Sudan.