Somalia Formally Joins East Africa Community After Signing Of Treaty Of Accession

• Somalia becomes the newest entrant into the EAC bloc after the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
• The decision to admit Somalia was reached during the 23rd Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State
• Somalia's addition to EAC will add more than 3,000 kilometres (1,800 miles) of shoreline to the bloc

Dennis Lubanga, a Kenyan journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than 10 years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Entebbe, Uganda - President Yoweri Museveni has today, Friday, December 15, witnessed the signing of the treaty of accession by the Federal Republic of Somalia to the East Africa Community (EAC).

Somalia becomes the newest entrant into the EAC bloc after the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

"I welcome Somalia and congratulate them. I thank the Chair of EAC President of South Sudan, Salva Kirr, and the EACC Secretariat for choosing Uganda to host this historic event," President Museveni posted on X.

What did the president of Somalia say?

On his part, the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, described the move as a moment of immense pride.

"We are united in our pursuit of shared objectives and committed to strengthening economic, social and political ties for the accelerated development of our region," Mohamud said.

Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that the conflict-weary nation had joined Kenya, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania in the bloc.

In a statement shared by State House Kenya, the decision was reached on Friday, November 24, during the 23rd Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State in Arusha, Tanzania.

What were the other events in Arusha, Tanzania

The meeting that succeeded the EAC High-Level Forum on Climate Change and Food Security also saw President Kiir elevated to Chairperson of the Summit of EAC Heads of State.

He took over from his Burundi counterpart, Évariste Ndayishimiye, whose tenure came to a close.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo was named as the EAC’s rapporteur.

"Somalia’s entry into the community is a product of negotiations as directed by the 22nd Extraordinary Summit. It presents an opportunity for the region to further integrate, expanding opportunities for the people," the statement read in part.

What's Somalia bringing to EAC table

According to the leaders, the move will boost connectivity, enhance trade, and accelerate Somalia’s transformation plan.

The admission of the fragile Horn of Africa nation with a population of 17 million will boost the EAC market to more than 300 million people.

The Somalia coastline—among the longest in Africa—presents massive blue economy resources, such as fish, to the EAC.

TUKO.co.ke understands that the move will add more than 3,000 kilometres (1,800 miles) of shoreline to the bloc, stretching it from the Atlantic through the Indian Ocean up to the Gulf of Aden.