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Sunday November 26, 2023
FILE PHOTO – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Essa Kayd
Mogadishu (HOL) – The self-declared Republic of Somaliland has strongly condemned Somalia’s recent entry into the East African Community (EAC), viewing it as an infringement on its sovereignty, according to a statement from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This development comes as Somalia, following a decade-long effort initiated in 2012, joins the EAC, expanding the bloc’s market to over 300 million people.
“The Government of the Republic of Somaliland expresses its deep concern regarding the recent accession of Somalia to the East African Community (EAC) block,” the statement read, emphasizing that Somalia’s claim over Somaliland’s territory is unfounded and contradicts historical and legal facts. Despite declaring independence in 1991 and establishing its own government and democratic institutions, Somaliland remains unrecognized internationally, creating ongoing tensions.
Somaliland’s government is also calling for international recognition of its status. “We urge the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), and EAC member states to recognize Somaliland’s distinct identity and sovereignty,” the statement from Hargeisa urged.
Somalia’s entry into the EAC, home to 17 million people, significantly expands the bloc’s market reach to over 300 million people. Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, present at the EAC summit in Tanzania, conveyed his optimism through his chief economic adviser, stating, “This moment is not just a culmination of our aspirations but a beacon of hope for a future full of possibilities and opportunities.”
However, this inclusion raises security concerns, notably due to Somalia’s ongoing conflict with the al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabab group. EAC members like Kenya and Uganda, contributing troops to an African Union force in Somalia, highlight the region’s intertwined security challenges.
Somaliland’s rejection of Somalia’s EAC membership underscores the unresolved issues of sovereignty and international recognition. As the EAC moves forward with its newest member, observers and stakeholders will closely monitor its impact on regional trade, security, and diplomatic relations, particularly in light of Somaliland’s unresolved status and its implications for regional politics.
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