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Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday met with the newly elected members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu, marking a significant moment in Somalia’s growing role within the East African Community (EAC). The meeting came a day after the Federal Parliament elected nine lawmakers to represent Somalia in the regional assembly — a move that highlights the country’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation less than a year after officially joining the EAC.
During the meeting, President Mohamud congratulated the new EALA members and commended them for earning the trust of the Somali people and Parliament. He described their election as both an honor and a serious responsibility, urging them to serve with integrity, patriotism, and dedication to national interests. The President emphasized that Somalia’s participation in the East African Legislative Assembly presents a valuable opportunity to advance the country’s economic and political goals, enhance regional integration, and ensure that Somali voices are heard in shaping policies that affect the entire region.
President Mohamud encouraged the lawmakers to act as strong ambassadors for Somalia within the EALA, calling on them to advocate for fair trade, regional stability, and development cooperation. He said their work should reflect Somalia’s commitment to building stronger ties with neighboring countries, promoting unity across East Africa, and contributing meaningfully to the legislative processes that drive progress within the community.
The President also highlighted the broader significance of Somalia’s growing engagement in regional institutions, saying that joining the East African Community represents a historic step toward greater economic inclusion, mobility, and shared prosperity. He noted that Somalia’s active involvement in the EAC will help open new opportunities for trade, investment, and cross-border collaboration, which are vital for national growth and stability.
Somalia’s membership in the EAC has already begun to strengthen its relationships with partner states, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. By sending representatives to the EALA, Somalia now gains a platform to participate directly in regional decision-making, influence legislation, and contribute to shaping policies that foster economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and social progress across East Africa.
The President reminded the newly elected legislators that their performance and conduct will not only reflect on them as individuals but also on the nation they represent. He called on them to remain focused on advancing Somalia’s interests, protecting its sovereignty, and ensuring that its citizens benefit from the opportunities offered by the East African Community. He stressed that the lawmakers’ collective efforts will play an important role in shaping Somalia’s reputation and influence within the regional bloc.
The nine Somali lawmakers elected to serve in the East African Legislative Assembly are Hussein Hassan Mohamed, Ilhaan Ali Gasar, Faysal Abdi Roble, Abdisalaam Hadliye, Abdirahman Bashir Sharif, Fahma Ahmed Nur, Fadumo Abdullahi, Abukar Mardaadi, and Sahra Ali Hassan. Their election marks a new chapter in Somalia’s diplomatic and political engagement within East Africa, symbolizing the country’s readiness to contribute to a shared regional future based on cooperation, peace, and progress.
Together, the meeting between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the newly elected EALA members reflects Somalia’s broader vision of integration and leadership within the East African Community. It underscores the nation’s determination to strengthen regional ties, promote mutual development, and ensure that Somali interests are well-represented in the regional arena.