Somalia will soon become the latest Horn of Africa nation to join the East Africa Community (EAC) as member states begin the process of admitting troubled nation into the bloc.
Somalia seeks to use her EAC membership to strengthen ties with her neighbours as well as enhance the fight against terrorism.
The admission of Somalia will bring to eight the number of EAC member states.
The latest admission into EAC was the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), one year ago.
Other EAC members are Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and South Sudan.
Speaking at the ongoing staff retreat for the East African Community Secretariat, East African Legislative Assembly, East African Court of Justice (EACJ), and EAC staff at Maanzoni lodge in Machakos yesterday, EAC secretary general Peter Mathuki said Somalia could be admitted before the end of the year.
Somalia had expressed interest in joining EAC bloc in July last year.
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According to Mathuki, the entry of Somalia would help boost the economy of the region by increasing the current annual income of $10 billion to the projected target of $20 billion.
“Dealing with insecurity in Somalia will be much easier once it is a member of EAC. Whatever problems they have will be solved better within the framework of EAC,” said Mathuki.