The Federal Republic of Somalia has signed the Treaty of Accession to formally join the East African Community.
The signing ceremony at State House in Entebbe was done by Somalia’s President Sheikh Hassan Mohamud and the chairperson of the summit of EAC Heads of StateSalva Kiir Mayardit from South Sudan.
It was witnessed by President Museveni but also in attendance was the EAC Secretary General, Dr. Peter Mutuku Mathuki, among other dignitaries.
“Today is a moment of immense pride as I sign the Treaty of Accession of the Federal Republic of Somalia into the EAC. 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,” President Mohamud said.
The development means the East African bloc has now increased its membership to eight countries from the original three.
According to the East African heads of state summit, within six months after the signing of the Treaty of Accession, Somalia shall be required to deposit the instrument of ratification with the Secretary General.
The heads of state also directed the EAC Council of Ministers to develop a roadmap for the integration of Somalia into the community and report progress to the next meeting of the summit.
The East African bloc now has Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC and Somalia as Africa’s fastest growing region.
