Despite the fact that Somalia is still struggling for stability, there is no harm in its administration to pursue membership into any regional inter-governmental entities. This is because it needs allies and friends while on its path to political stability and economic prosperity. East African Community (EAC) which is an intergovernmental organisation composed of six member states in East Africa, is one of the entities Somalia that is seeking its membership. There are several reasons why Somalia should continue pursuing membership in the East African Community (EAC).
1. Economic Integration: Becoming a member of the EAC would facilitate economic integration with neighbouring countries, promoting trade and investment opportunities. Somalia could benefit from the EAC’s common market, which allows for the free movement of goods, services, and capital among member states. This integration would lead to increased cross-border trade, attracting foreign investment and stimulating economic growth for Somalia.
2. Access to a Larger Market: By joining the EAC, Somalia would gain access to a larger regional market of over 180 million people. This expanded market would offer new opportunities for Somali businesses to expand their customer base and increase exports. The EAC’s common market also reduces trade barriers, such as tariffs and non-tariff barriers, making it easier for Somali products to reach consumers in other member states.
3. Infrastructure Development: The EAC strongly emphasises infrastructure development within the region. Joining the community would enable Somalia to benefit from the EAC’s regional infrastructure projects, such as roads, railways, and energy networks. These projects aim to improve connectivity, enhance transportation links, and boost regional trade, ultimately supporting Somalia’s economic development and integration.
4. Political Stability: Membership in the EAC can contribute to political stability in Somalia. The organisation promotes regional cooperation, dialogue, and conflict resolution mechanisms, which can help mitigate conflicts and foster peaceful relations between member states. The EAC’s focus on good governance, democracy, and the rule of law aligns with Somalia’s goals for stability, security, and democratic control.
5. Regional Security Cooperation: Joining the EAC would provide Somalia with a platform to enhance its security cooperation with neighbouring countries. The EAC has established a regional security framework to address common security challenges, including terrorism, transnational crime, and border disputes. By participating in these initiatives, Somalia can collaborate with other member states to strengthen regional security mechanisms and combat shared threats.
6. Capacity Building and Technical Assistance: The EAC offers various capacity-building programs and technical assistance to member states. By becoming a member, Somalia would have access to these resources, which can support the country’s institutional development, governance reforms, and economic diversification efforts. The EAC can provide training, knowledge-sharing platforms, and expertise in areas such as agriculture, trade facilitation, health, and education.
7. Cultural Exchange and People-to-People Connections: EAC membership would foster cultural exchange and people-to-people connections between Somalia and other member states. This would promote understanding, tolerance, and appreciation of diverse cultures, traditions, and languages within the region. Closer people-to-people ties can also lead to increased tourism, educational opportunities, and collaborations in various fields, further enriching Somalia’s social and cultural fabric.
8. Regional Cooperation in Natural Resource Management: Somalia is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, minerals, and fisheries. Joining the EAC would enable Somalia to engage in regional cooperation frameworks for the sustainable management and utilisation of these resources. The EAC promotes responsible resource extraction, environmental conservation, and equitable distribution of benefits, ensuring that Somalia’s natural wealth is harnessed for the country’s long-term development.
9. Promotion of International Trade: Trading with foreign countries like USA and China as individual countries would put Somalia at a disadvantage. However, by being part of a regional bloc like the EAC, which has trade agreements with countries like the USA, Russia and China, Somalia can strengthen its bargaining power in trade negotiations with global economic powers like the United States and China. The EAC’s collective voice and negotiating capacity can help Somalia secure more favourable trade terms, reduce tariffs, and address non-tariff barriers with these major trading partners. Moreover, by aligning its trade practices with regional standards, Somalia can enhance its competitiveness and streamline its trade processes. This harmonisation can facilitate trade with the United States and China by reducing regulatory hurdles and improving product quality, meeting the requirements of these markets.
10. Access to Quality Education for its People: EAC membership opens up opportunities for Somali citizens willing to study in the best universities in the East African region, like the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Makerere University, and the University of Dar es Salaam, among others. Currently, there are over 10,000 students from Somalia studying in universities in various EAC member states, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Just imagine how it would be if Somalia became a member of EAC and their citizens were able to access quality everywhere within the EAC region!
11. The attraction of Foreign Investment: EAC membership can attract foreign investment to Somalia by signalling a commitment to regional integration and stability. Investors often prefer to operate in a larger market with harmonised regulations, and EAC membership can enhance Somalia’s appeal as an investment destination. In addition, the EAC has established protocols and agreements to protect and promote foreign investment within the region. Somalia’s EAC memberships would guarantee benefits from these investment protection mechanisms, which provide a more stable and predictable investment environment. This assurance can attract foreign investors who seek legal safeguards for their investments.
By Abdullahi Mohodin Hassan (Abdullahi Yabarow)
