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Somalia has reached out to Kenya for support in resolving a dispute at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) over the approval of its nominees to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). The issue came to light on Tuesday evening after Kenya’s National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetang’ula, announced that Somalia had formally asked Nairobi to help unlock the stalemate that has prevented its representatives from taking up their roles in the regional assembly.
Speaker Wetang’ula shared the details after hosting his Somali counterpart, Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur, at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi. Nur, who was on a courtesy visit, used the meeting to brief Wetang’ula on the challenges Somalia has been facing within the East African Community (EAC) structures. The main concern was the unresolved legal and procedural hurdles that have held up the approval of Somalia’s EALA nominees at the EACJ.
During the discussion, Nur emphasized that Somalia’s ability to fully engage within the EAC depends heavily on the timely resolution of this matter. He explained that the EALA seats are crucial for Somalia as it continues to integrate into the regional bloc after joining the EAC in 2023. By securing Kenya’s backing, Somalia hopes to speed up the process and ensure its nominees are recognized so they can begin representing the country and participating in regional decision-making.
Wetang’ula assured Nur that Kenya is willing to assist in every way possible to ensure Somalia’s concerns are addressed. He noted that the relationship between the two countries has been improving steadily and that Kenya is committed to supporting Somalia as it strengthens its institutions and expands its role within the EAC. He also underlined that regional cooperation is most effective when all member states feel included and empowered to participate fully.
The Kenyan Speaker also congratulated Nur on his recent election as the chairperson of the East African Community Bureau of Speakers, a role that places him at the center of parliamentary coordination across the region. Wetang’ula praised him for the milestone and expressed confidence that his leadership will help advance parliamentary diplomacy, regional stability, and cooperation among EAC member states.
The meeting further highlighted plans to establish a more active and structured Kenya–Somalia Parliamentary Friendship Group. Both leaders agreed that enhanced parliamentary diplomacy is essential for addressing bilateral issues, promoting peace, and improving economic ties. By strengthening the friendship group, the two parliaments aim to improve communication, resolve disputes more efficiently, and boost collaboration on issues such as trade, security, cross-border development, and regional integration.
Nur expressed gratitude for Kenya’s openness and support, saying that stronger cooperation between the two legislative bodies will benefit citizens on both sides of the border. He reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to deepening its participation in the EAC and working closely with Kenya to ensure stability and progress in the wider region.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with both leaders agreeing that Kenya and Somalia must continue building mutual trust and strengthening cooperation in all regional platforms. Their shared position was that a more united East African Community will only be achieved if every member state can participate fully in its institutions and processes. The request for Kenya to intervene in the EALA dispute was therefore seen as part of Somalia’s broader effort to secure its place within the community and contribute meaningfully to its future.