DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Tanzania’s courts have blocked the swearing-in of Somali delegates to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), citing corruption and irregularities in the selection process, officials said.
The decision follows a legal challenge filed by Somali politicians who claimed the election of the delegates violated East African Community (EAC) rules. The court found the nomination process was marred by clear errors, political interference, and widespread lack of transparency.
Ambassador Mohamed Cawil, one of the complainants, told local media that the court had validated their claims and confirmed the misconduct in the selection process.
Cawil also criticized comments from Tanzania’s ambassador to Somalia, who sought to dismiss the court ruling. “The court has clearly highlighted the irregularities that occurred,” he said.
The East African Community court has now suspended the formal recognition and swearing-in of the Somali EALA representatives, pending a review to ensure that the selection process complies fully with EAC regulations and legal standards.
