MOGADISHU, (HAN) — Somalia has officially appointed nine politicians, academics, and diplomats to represent the country in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), marking a major milestone following its formal admission into the East African Community (EAC) earlier this year.
The House of the People in Villa Hargeysa, Mogadishu, is currently reviewing and approving the nominations. Lawmakers are debating the representation framework, including how Somalia’s 4.5 clan-based power-sharing formula will guide the allocation of parliamentary seats.
The appointed members are Ilhan Ali Gasar, Sahra Ali Hassan, Abdirahman Bashir Shariff, Faisal Abdi Roble, Hussein Hassan Abdi, Ali Abdinur Osman, Fahma Ahmed Nur, Abdisalam H. Omar Hadliye, and Fadumo Abdullahi Mohamed (Insania).
Officials said the selection process followed Somalia’s political framework to ensure equitable clan representation and promote women’s participation in line with the country’s inclusion policies.
The EALA, headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania, serves as the legislative arm of the EAC. It drafts and enacts regional laws, harmonizes policies on trade, security, education, and economic development, and oversees the implementation of EAC agreements among member states.
Somalia’s participation in the assembly marks its full integration into the EAC’s legislative system. Analysts say the move will strengthen political and economic ties with neighboring states, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
By joining EALA, Somalia gains a direct voice in shaping regional laws and policies affecting trade, security, and governance. The membership is also expected to open access to a regional market of more than 300 million people, creating new investment and employment opportunities.
Somalia’s inclusion will also allow greater collaboration on peace and security efforts, particularly in addressing terrorism, border control, and migration — key issues given the country’s ongoing security challenges.
Regional observers say Somalia’s entry into EALA is a strategic step toward strengthening democratic governance, promoting rule of law, and advancing social development through education, health, and gender equality initiatives across the region.
Somalia’s participation, they note, transforms it from an observer to an active decision-maker in shaping East Africa’s shared future.
