MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somalia’s parliamentary leadership has appointed a special committee to oversee the selection of lawmakers who will represent the country in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), a move signaling another step toward deeper regional integration.
The joint decision by the Speakers of Somalia’s bicameral Federal Parliament follows the country’s formal accession to the East African Community (EAC) earlier this year under Law No. 20, enacted on February 13, 2024.
The newly formed five-member committee includes:
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Hon. Mohamed Abdullahi Hassan (Nuux) – Chairperson
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Sen. Zamzam Ibrahim Ali – Deputy Chairperson
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Hon. Abdi Ibrahim Warsame (Qowdhan) – Member
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Sen. Iftin Hassan Iman (Baasto) – Member
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Hon. Guled Bihi Abdi – Member
According to the appointment document, the committee will identify and vet candidates eligible for EALA membership, prepare a shortlist, and submit it to Parliament for confirmation. Both Speakers directed the group to begin work immediately and called on parliamentary secretariats to provide logistical support.
Somalia’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Ilyas Hassan Ali, welcomed the decision, calling it “a commendable step by the Speakers of both Houses in appointing the committee to select Somalia’s EALA members, reaffirming Somalia’s commitment to full integration and completing the road to Somalia’s full membership in the bloc.”
Somalia joined the East African Community in 2024, becoming the eighth member of the regional bloc. The move was widely viewed as a strategic effort to enhance trade, mobility, and political cooperation across East Africa.
