According to a statement from the Somali presidency, the president and his delegation received a warm welcome upon arrival in Arusha, which serves as the headquarters of the regional bloc.
During the summit, President Hassan Sheikh is expected to deliver remarks focusing on strengthening regional cooperation among EAC member states, particularly in the areas of economic integration, security collaboration, and enhancing connections between the communities of the region. The Somali leader will also hold meetings with other regional heads of state and senior officials attending the conference, as part of broader efforts to deepen diplomatic and economic ties within the bloc.
The 25th gathering of EAC leaders is set to deliberate on several key issues affecting the region, including economic cooperation, trade and business integration, regional security, and political coordination among member countries. Somalia joined the East African Community in 2023, becoming the bloc’s eighth member state.
The country has since been working to align its policies and institutions with the organization’s frameworks aimed at promoting regional integration and economic development across East Africa. The conference in Arusha brings together senior government leaders and policymakers from EAC member states to review progress on regional initiatives and chart the next steps for cooperation within the bloc.
The episode underscores the continuing pressure on Somali institutions as the federal government and regional authorities seek to balance security operations with political stability and public confidence.
