By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — Somalia has formally asked Kenya to assist in resolving a dispute at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), amid tensions surrounding Somalia’s recent nominations to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). The request was made public by Kenya’s National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetang’ula, on Tuesday evening.
Wetang’ula revealed the appeal after holding a meeting in Nairobi with Somalia’s Speaker of Parliament, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur “Aadan Madoobe,” who paid an official visit to the Kenyan Parliament.
According to Wetang’ula, Somalia is seeking Nairobi’s support in unlocking the stalemate that has emerged within the EAC’s judicial structures following disagreements over the selection of Somalia’s representatives to EALA — a process that has drawn legal challenges within the EACJ.
During the meeting, Speaker Aadan Madoobe also asked Kenya to back Somalia’s broader participation and role within the institutions of the East African Community (EAC), noting that Somalia’s recent admission into the regional bloc requires strong partnerships with founding member states like Kenya.
Wetang’ula congratulated Aadan Madoobe on his recent election as Chairperson of the Forum of EAC Speakers, a high-level body bringing together parliamentary leaders from across the region. He pledged Kenya’s full support during his tenure, describing the appointment as “a sign of confidence in Somalia’s growing role within the EAC.”
The two leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation between the Kenyan and Somali parliaments, with the aim of enhancing parliamentary diplomacy, improving legislative collaboration, and supporting the deepening of bilateral relations.
Somalia’s request comes at a time when the country is working to solidify its position within the EAC after being officially admitted as the bloc’s eighth member. Resolving the legal dispute at the EACJ is seen as essential for Somalia’s smooth integration into regional structures and for ensuring that its representatives take up their seats without further delays.
