Somali Cabinet Reviews Security, Elections and Benefits of EAC Membership

Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Council of Ministers of the Federal Government of Somalia held its weekly meeting on Thursday, chaired by Prime Minister H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre, and reviewed reports on security, health, elections, trade and other key national issues.

The Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation briefed the Cabinet on the one-person, one-vote elections held in Galmudug and Hirshabelle states, which were successfully concluded. The Cabinet commended public participation in the democratic process as part of government efforts to implement the Constitution.

The meeting also reviewed the benefits of Somalia’s membership in the East African Community (EAC), including access for Somali students to universities at regional tuition rates and exemption from foreigner tourism fees.

The Cabinet was further informed that Somali businesses and professionals have gained greater opportunities to operate in EAC member states without being subject to certain restrictions imposed on foreign nationals.