Date: November 25, 2023 | 09:09 AM
In a significant development, Somalia has been admitted as the eighth member of the East African Community (EAC) during a summit held in Tanzania. The inclusion of Somalia, a country weary from years of conflict, aims to promote free trade and economic integration across the region. The announcement was made by Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, the outgoing chair of the EAC, in the presence of Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and other leaders from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The EAC, established in 2000 with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, aims to foster trade by eliminating customs duties among member states. It successfully established a common market in 2010. With the admission of Somalia, a nation with a population of 17 million, the EAC market will now encompass more than 300 million people. Additionally, Somalia's mainland African country status grants the bloc access to over 3,000 kilometers (1,800 miles) of coastline, from the Atlantic Ocean through the Indian Ocean to the Gulf of Aden.
However, Somalia's membership also brings security challenges due to the ongoing fight against the Islamist insurgent group Al-Shabaab. Despite making significant progress, Somalia's offensive against the Al-Qaeda-linked group has encountered obstacles in recent months, casting doubt on the government's ability to suppress the 16-year-long insurgency.
Nevertheless, the admission of Somalia into the EAC marks a milestone in the region's pursuit of economic growth and integration. By expanding trade cooperation and leveraging Somalia's strategic geographical position, the EAC aims to enhance regional stability and prosperity.
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