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Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has welcomed a decision by the East African Court of Appeal that allows the country’s elected representatives to officially take their seats in the East African Legislative Assembly, bringing to an end months of legal uncertainty over Somalia’s role in the regional parliament. The ruling clears the way for Somalia to fully participate in the legislative work of the East African Community and restores its voice in key regional discussions.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the ministry congratulated the nine lawmakers elected by Somalia’s Federal Parliament to represent the country in the assembly. It described the court’s decision as an important milestone that strengthens Somalia’s position within the East African Community and supports its long-term goal of deeper regional integration. According to the ministry, the lawmakers are expected to play a meaningful role in shaping policies that affect the region as a whole.
The ministry emphasized that Somalia’s presence in the East African Legislative Assembly is not only symbolic but also strategic. It noted that having active representation allows the country to contribute directly to debates and decisions on regional priorities such as trade, economic cooperation, free movement of people, and shared development initiatives. These areas are seen as critical for Somalia’s recovery and growth after years of conflict and limited regional engagement.
The appellate court’s ruling overturns an earlier decision made in November by the East African Court of Justice. That earlier ruling had temporarily blocked the swearing-in of Somalia’s representatives following a legal challenge to the nomination process that took place in Mogadishu. As a result, Somalia was left without representation in the East African Community’s legislative arm for several months, limiting its ability to influence regional policymaking during that period.
The legal petition was filed by a group of Somali academics and political figures who raised concerns about how the representatives were selected. They argued that the process was politically influenced, that some qualified candidates were unfairly excluded, and that the procedures set out by the East African Community were not properly followed. The petition also accused Somalia’s Federal Parliament of violating appointment rules in a way that favored candidates aligned with the government.
With the appellate court’s decision now in place, those legal barriers have been removed. This allows Somalia’s representatives to immediately take part in the work of the East African Legislative Assembly, including discussions and decisions on laws and policies that affect all member states. The ruling effectively restores Somalia’s full participation in one of the most important institutions of the East African Community.
In its statement, the Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to working closely with other EAC partner states to advance shared goals. These include boosting economic integration, supporting sustainable development, and promoting peace and stability across the region. The ministry said Somalia remains focused on ensuring that its participation in regional bodies delivers real benefits for its citizens and contributes positively to the wider East African region.
The ministry also stressed its intention to ensure effective and credible representation in all East African Community organs and institutions. It said this approach is essential to protecting Somalia’s national interests while also supporting the broader vision of regional cooperation and integration. According to the statement, Somalia sees its role in the EAC as a long-term partnership based on mutual respect and shared progress.
Somalia officially joined the East African Community in 2023, marking a significant step in its efforts to reconnect with regional institutions after decades of conflict, instability, and isolation. Membership in the bloc was seen as a key part of Somalia’s strategy to rebuild its economy, strengthen diplomatic ties, and increase cooperation with neighboring countries. Full participation in the East African Legislative Assembly is considered a central part of that membership, as it gives Somalia a direct platform to influence regional laws and policies that shape the future of the community.