ARUSHA, Tanzania — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud joined other East African Community (EAC) leaders in Arusha for a high-level side event celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the EAC on Thursday. The gathering was not only a celebration but also a forum for strategic reflection on the past and future of regional cooperation.
The event brought together heads of state from the seven EAC member countries — Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Somalia — to discuss the transformative journey the EAC has embarked upon since its re-establishment in 1999.
President Mohamud expressed Somalia’s firm commitment to the ideals of the EAC, emphasizing the benefits of regional integration for peace, security, and economic advancement. “Somalia stands with its partners in EAC for a shared vision of prosperity,” Mohamud stated. He underscored the importance of economic collaboration to tackle challenges like poverty, climate change, and security threats that cross national borders.
During the event, leaders discussed key achievements like the Customs Union, the Common Market Protocol, and steps towards a Monetary Union. They also reviewed ongoing initiatives such as infrastructure development, free movement of people, goods, and services, and the push towards political federation.
Mohamud highlighted the critical role of peace and stability in fostering development, noting Somalia’s ongoing efforts to contribute to regional stability after years of conflict. He called for enhanced cooperation in security matters, including combating terrorism and maritime piracy, which are of particular concern to Somalia.
The anniversary event also included discussions on leveraging the region’s young population, vast natural resources, and strategic location to foster innovation and sustainable growth. Leaders agreed on the need for investment in education, technology, and infrastructure to realize these goals.
The celebration concluded with a reaffirmation of commitment to the EAC’s vision of a prosperous, stable, and integrated East Africa. Future plans include deepening integration through policy harmonization and enhancing regional institutions’ capacity.
The next steps will involve regular summits and implementation of agreed-upon frameworks to ensure that the EAC continues to be a beacon of regional cooperation on the African continent.
