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Somalia’s representatives have been officially cleared to take their seats in the East African Legislative Assembly after a regional appeals court overturned earlier rulings that had blocked their participation. The decision, delivered on Monday by the East African Court of Appeal, brings to an end a months-long legal dispute over how Somalia selected its lawmakers to the regional body and removes a major obstacle to the country’s engagement within the East African Community.
The ruling allows Somalia to fully participate in the legislative work of the bloc for the first time since the dispute began, restoring its voice in discussions that shape regional laws, policies and cooperation. For Mogadishu, the decision is also a significant step forward in its broader effort to strengthen ties with neighboring countries and deepen its integration into regional institutions after years of instability and isolation.
Somalia’s ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community, Ilyas Ali Hassan, welcomed the outcome, describing it as a win for the rule of law and a positive signal for Somalia’s position within the regional organization. He said the ruling opens the door for Somalia to actively contribute to the work of the East African Legislative Assembly and reinforces the country’s commitment to regional cooperation. According to the ambassador, full participation in EALA is essential for Somalia as it seeks to play a constructive role in shaping the future of the community.
The legal dispute began last year after the East African Court of Justice issued a ruling in November that suspended the swearing-in of nine Somali lawmakers to the assembly. The court acted after a petition challenged the credibility of the nomination and selection process that had taken place in Mogadishu. As a result, Somalia was left without representation in the assembly while the case was under review.
The petition was filed by a group of Somali academics and politicians who raised concerns about how the lawmakers were chosen. They argued that the process had been influenced by political interests, that some qualified candidates were unfairly excluded, and that the selection did not fully follow the procedures set out by the East African Community. The petitioners also accused Somalia’s Federal Parliament of ignoring established appointment rules in a way that favored individuals linked to the government while sidelining others.
These claims prompted the court to temporarily block the lawmakers from taking their seats, pending a full examination of the issues raised. The suspension sparked debate both within Somalia and across the region, with supporters of the petition calling for greater transparency and fairness, while others warned that the legal battle was delaying Somalia’s full participation in regional affairs.
With Monday’s ruling, the appeals court overturned the earlier decision, clearing the way for the nine lawmakers to be sworn in and begin their duties. The judgment effectively restores Somalia’s representation in the East African Legislative Assembly, enabling the country to take part in debates and decisions on key regional issues such as trade, security cooperation, economic integration and the development of common policies.
Somalia joined the East African Community in 2023, marking a major milestone in its efforts to reconnect with regional and international partners after decades of conflict. Membership in the bloc is seen as an important opportunity for economic growth, political cooperation and improved security collaboration. Active participation in EALA is considered a core part of that membership, as it gives countries a direct role in shaping the laws and frameworks that govern the community.
The end of the legal standoff is likely to be welcomed by Somali officials, who have argued that delays in representation were undermining the country’s ability to benefit fully from its EAC membership. As Somalia’s lawmakers prepare to take their seats, attention will now turn to how effectively they engage in the assembly and contribute to advancing both national and regional priorities within the East African Community.