Dr. Peter Mathuki, Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 19, 2023. Mathuki briefed H.E. Mohamud on the progress of Somalia’s application to join the EAC among other regional issues
The EAC is expected to consider the report on the verification mission assessing Somalia’s readiness to join the bloc at their 43rd ordinary meeting, which is currently taking place in Bujumbura, Burundi. The session began on February 19 and will end on February 23, 2023.
Last month, the verification team, comprised of experts from partner states, visited Somalia from January 25 to February 3, 2023. Its primary goal was to assess the country’s level of compliance with the criteria for admitting countries outlined in the Treaty establishing the EAC.
Speaking in a past interview, Mathuki outlined the verification team’s objectives. “The verification team is set to make findings relating to the institutional frameworks in place, legal frameworks, policies, strategies, projects and programs, areas of cooperation with other EAC partner states, and expectations from membership,” he said.
In addition, the team evaluated Somalia’s development plans and strategies in crucial fields like energy, education, and science, as well as peace, security, and international cooperation. After completing their mission, the group compiled a report for presentation at the ongoing EAC summit.
Aside from Somalia’s application, the council will consider reports on the implementation of previous council decisions, the office of the secretary-general, planning, and infrastructure, and the productive and social sectors.
Other issues, such as politics, customs and trade, finance and administration, and reports from other EAC organs, such as the East African Legislative Assembly and the East African Court of Justice, will also be discussed.
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