Upcoming Discussions on Somalia’s Inclusion in EAC Scheduled for Next Tuesday

Negotiations regarding the inclusion of Somalia into the East African Community (EAC) are set to commence on the following Tuesday. The discussions will take place in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. The EAC headquarters, located in Arusha, Tanzania, released a statement inviting the press to attend the opening session of the negotiations, which will be held at the Kenya School of Government in Lower Kabete.

During the 43rd ordinary meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers in Burundi in February 2023, a report on the verification mission assessing Somalia’s eligibility for EAC membership was reviewed. The verification mission conducted its assessment between January 25 and February 3, culminating in the compilation of a comprehensive report. If Somalia’s admission is approved, the EAC will expand to encompass a total of eight member states.

Currently, the EAC comprises Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Uganda.