Somalia Lawmakers Sworn into East African Legislative Assembly

 

Arusha, Tanzania, March 16, 2026 — The East African Legislative Assembly has marked a historic milestone after nine Members of Parliament from the Federal Republic of Somalia were officially sworn in during a special hybrid sitting held in Arusha.

The oath-taking ceremony, presided over by Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana, formally integrates Somalia’s representatives into the Assembly, signaling the country’s full participation in the legislative arm of the East African Community.

The newly sworn-in members are Ilham Ali Gassar, Abdirahman Bashir Shariff, Zahra Ali Hassan, Faisal Abdi Roble, Faduma Abdullahi Mohamud, Fahma Ahmed Nur, Hussein Hassan Abdi, Abdusalam Hadliye Omar, and Abukar Abdi Osman.

In addition, three ministers responsible for East African Community Affairs from United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Rwanda, and Somalia were sworn in as ex-officio members of the Assembly without voting rights, in accordance with EALA Rules of Procedure.

Those ministers include Mahmoud Thabit Kombo of Tanzania, Ali Mohamed Omar of Somalia, and Yuta Kayetesi of Rwanda. The minister from the Democratic Republic of Congo was not present and will take the oath at a later date.

Speaking on behalf of the Somali delegation, Abdusalam Hadliye Omar expressed appreciation for the milestone and reaffirmed their commitment to the EAC Treaty, its principles, and the welfare of East African citizens. He emphasized Somalia’s readiness to fulfill its responsibilities within the regional bloc.

Ali Mohamed Omar, Somalia’s minister responsible for EAC Affairs, described the moment as both an honor and a duty, stating that Somalia is committed to advancing regional integration and promoting “African solutions to African problems” in pursuit of shared prosperity and stability.

Yuta Kayetesi of Rwanda also pledged to uphold the rule of law and act in the best interests of the Community, while Mahmoud Thabit Kombo of Tanzania commended EALA for its legislative achievements and reiterated Tanzania’s commitment to the regional integration agenda.

As part of the Assembly’s procedures, two Somali members were elected to serve on the EALA Commission, while others were appointed to various standing committees, including Accounts, Legal and Privileges, Communication, Trade and Investment, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Regional Affairs and Conflict Resolution, and General Purpose.

The ceremony underscores EALA’s central role in driving legislative processes within the EAC and highlights Somalia’s growing engagement in regional governance. Analysts say the country’s active participation is expected to strengthen cooperation, promote inclusive growth, and advance the broader goals of economic integration and sustainable development across East Africa.