On December 15, 2023, Somalia’s membership in the East African Community became a reality—a landmark decision that promises to redefine our nation’s regional standing. While debate continues, this is not a sign of division but of democratic engagement. This move marks a decisive break from decades of diplomatic isolation and opens a new chapter of economic opportunity and strategic partnership.
A Diplomatic Victory Forged Through Persistence
Somalia’s journey to the EAC has been one of resilient diplomacy. Previous attempts were stalled, notably by Kenya’s opposition amid the maritime border dispute—a time when Somalia was seen as not fitting the community’s profile. The shift began in earnest when President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, invited to the EAC summit in Kampala in mid-2022, made a compelling case for inclusion. His advocacy was neither rushed nor unilateral; it was the culmination of a deliberate process.
Following his presentation, an EAC Assessment Team was dispatched to review Somalia’s readiness. The appointment of a dedicated envoy, Abdussalam Hadliye, underscored our serious commitment. The culmination was a decisive milestone in March 2023, when the EAC—surprisingly to some—deemed Somalia admissible. This was not a gift, but a recognition of Somalia’s progress and strategic value.
Why EAC Membership is a National Imperative
1. Ending Decades of Strategic Isolation
Since the 1977 war, Somalia has been diplomatically marginalized in Africa. Our historical foreign policy, centered on territorial revisionism, fostered deep distrust with neighbors Kenya and Ethiopia. They successfully leveraged their influence, culminating in the 1964 OAU resolution that cemented colonial borders—a diplomatic defeat that isolated us for generations. Joining the EAC dismantles this isolation. It moves Somalia from a perceived disruptor to a seated partner, granting us a voice in the very forums that shape regional policy.
2. Unlocking Tangible Economic Prosperity
The EAC is a common market, not merely a cultural bloc. Membership grants our entrepreneurs, traders, and youth access to a market of over 300 million people. It promises the free movement of goods, capital, and services, which will lower costs, attract investment, and create jobs. For a nation with a vast, untapped coastline and a vibrant diaspora, this economic integration is the most direct path to sustainable growth and poverty reduction.
3. Enhancing Security Through Regional Solidarity
Our fight against Al-Shabaab cannot be won alone. EAC membership transforms a national security challenge into a shared regional priority. It institutionalizes cooperation on intelligence-sharing, coordinated military strategies, and managing cross-border movement. Our security becomes intertwined with the stability of the region, guaranteeing a more robust and collective response.
4. Practicing a New, Pragmatic Pan-Africanism
The core issue for some is trust in the government’s projects. However, the greater principle at stake is Somalia’s rightful place in the African community. This accession is the ultimate practice of pragmatic Pan-Africanism. It is a choice to build strength through economic integration and collective bargaining, rather than through solitary and fruitless confrontation. It is about securing Somalia’s future within the African family.
Addressing Concerns with Clarity and Confidence
Yes, our history with binding agreements is checkered, as the controversial 2009 MOU with Kenya demonstrates. However, the EAC accession is fundamentally different. It is a transparent, multilateral treaty, negotiated over months and subject to ratification by our federal parliament and regional leaders. This inclusive ratification process is not a poison pill for diplomacy; it is the bedrock of national ownership and ensures Somalia’s interests are safeguarded.
The call for ratification is not about forcing hands, but about uniting our leaders behind a demonstrably beneficial national project. While public engagement on complex treaties can seem slow, the tangible benefits of membership will soon become clear to every Somali citizen.
Conclusion: Seizing Our Destiny
Somalia’s EAC membership is a historic strategic victory. It corrects the diplomatic failures of the past and unlocks a future of prosperity, security, and influence. This is our moment to transition from a nation perceived through the lens of crisis to a nation recognized as a driver of regional growth and stability. We must now unite to ratify this accession and stride confidently into our new role as a full and influential member of the East African Community. The isolation ends here; our integrated future begins now.
