As Somalia celebrates its membership of the EAC today, it’s important to note that this is a remarkable milestone towards achieving stability and economic growth. Though some authors and political activists in Somalia might argue that Somalia’s EAC membership would infringe on its sovereignty, I beg to differ. There are no instances in the entire world where regional organizations interfered with governments of its member states. Governments have always operated independently regardless of their membership into any regional blocs. Somalia’s EAC membership comes at a time where Somalia is on the right path towards political and economic stability under the current administration. This article reiterates the reasons why Somalia made the right decision to join EAC. These include: Access to a Larger Market:
EAC membership would now guarantee Somalia an access to a larger regional market of over 180 million people. This expanded market will 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.
Regional Security Cooperation:
Somalia’s membership into EAC gives them a platform for enhancing 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. As a member, Somalia will collaborate with other member states to strengthen regional security mechanisms and combat shared threats. Somalia stands to benefit as they will be assisted with their continued efforts to get rid of terror groups.
Infrastructure Development:
The EAC places a strong emphasis on infrastructure development within the region. Membership into 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.
Regional Economic Integration:
Now that Somalia is a member of the EAC, there would be economic integration with neighbouring countries, promoting trade and investment opportunities. Somalia stands to 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.
Political Stability:
EAC Membership contributes to political stability in its member states and Somalia stands to benefit from this. The organization promotes regional cooperation, dialogue, and conflict resolution mechanisms, which will 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 governance.
Promotion of International Trade:
Trading with foreign countries like USA and China as an individual country has put Somalia at a disadvantage. However, now that Somalia is an EAC member, it will be able to trade with countries like USA, Russia and China as they have trade agreements with EAC. The EAC’s collective voice and negotiating capacity will 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 will enhance its competitiveness and streamline its trade processes. This harmonization will facilitate trade with the United States and China by reducing regulatory hurdles and improving product quality, meeting the requirements of these markets.
Access to Quality Education for its People:
Somalia’s EAC membership opens up opportunities for Somali citizens willing to study in best universities in the East African region like University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Makerere University and 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. Now that Somalia is an EAC member, more Somali students stand to benefit by accessing quality education everywhere within the EAC region.
Attraction of Foreign Investment:
EAC membership will promote attraction of foreign investment in Somalia by signalling a commitment to regional integration and stability. Investors often prefer to operate in a larger market with harmonized regulations, and EAC membership will 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 membership guarantees benefit from these investment protection mechanisms, which provide a more stable and predictable investment environment. This assurance will attract foreign investors who seek legal safeguards for their investments.
Conclusion
Today marks a new beginning for Somalia as they become a member of one of the most successful regional blocs in Africa. Though I agree it’s a journey that may have initial ups and downs, there are long-term benefits which are hard to ignore. There are more benefits than disadvantages that awaits Somalia as they gain allies in the form of the EAC membership. This is what President Dr Hassan Sh. Mahamud envisioned when he started the process of joining the EAC in 2012. Todays culminates the milestone initiated by the current president, Dr Hassan Sh. Mahamud, of Somalia in his first term between 2012 and 2017. Somalia’s EAC membership adds to his efforts at advancing national reconciliation, anti-corruption measures, and socio-economic and security sector reforms in Somalia. Somalia has President Dr Hassan Sh. Mahamud to thank for their today’s inclusion to EAC regional bloc. Somalia’s membership into EAC would not only contribute to economic growth and development but also foster regional cooperation, peace and stability. In summary, Membership into EAC guarantees Somalia benefits such as increased trade and investment opportunities with other EAC member states, access to a larger market, free movement of goods and services within the community, benefit from regional security initiatives, joint efforts against terrorism and extremism and attraction of foreign investment. It is my opinion that Somalia has made the right decision to join EAC.
By Abdullahi Mohodin Hassan (Abdullahi Yabarow)
