The East African Community (EAC) is a regional intergovernmental organization of 7 Partner States: The Republic of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Rwanda, the Republic of South Sudan, the Republic of Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.

Experts of the 7 East African Community Partner states together with Somalia are converged in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi for 9 days negotiations on Somalia’s admittance to the bloc. With DR.Congo being most recently admitted to the bloc, Somalia too is knocking.

Experts are also joined by the EAC Secretariat, EA Legislative Assembly, EA court Justice, and their counter parts from Federal Republic of Somalia.

These negotiations follow the directive of the 22nd Extraordinary Summit to the Secretariat and the Council to expedite the process of admitting Somalia. The Experts are to generate a report to be forwarded to the Summit, Heads of State, for final ratification of Somalia as a member of the EAC bloc.

The negotiations staged at the main campus of the Kenyan School of Governance in lower Kabete, Nairobi, were officially opened by the Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for East African Community and Regional Development, Rebecca Maino, who is also enthusiastic of the new member.

Negotiations will be on matters of ; politics, infrastructure, productive and social sector, economic and trade affairs among others.

“Somalia has the longest national coastline of over 3000km in Africa, linking Africa to the Arabian peninsula, which the region can tap into to increase intra-regional trade and improve the lives of East Africans”, EAC secretary General. Dr. Peter Muthuki.

The Somali minister for planning says their people are excited about this new development. He also says Somalia has much to bring to the bloc including; huge youthful population, vast natural resources, agricultural potential among others.

“This, Primarily, is because we intend to create wealth and prosperity for our people. The big and expanded market that the admission of Somalia will usher in will be a major boost for the private sector, itself a great milestone in the integration process, ” Court Justice.

Courtesy Photo.