The East African Community (EAC) has reaffirmed its unwavering recognition of Somalia as a single, sovereign state, underscoring its commitment to the country’s unity and territorial integrity amid growing regional and international scrutiny over Somalia’s political future.
In a statement issued from its headquarters in Arusha on Saturday, the EAC said it fully recognises the Federal Republic of Somalia under the authority of the internationally recognised federal government, and with borders inherited at independence.
The regional bloc aligned itself with the African Union’s long-standing position as enshrined in the AU Constitutive Act, which emphasises respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states. The EAC noted that its stance is also firmly grounded in the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
“The East African Community recognises the Federal Republic of Somalia as a single sovereign state,” the statement read, calling on all actors to respect Somalia’s unity and operate within established regional and international legal frameworks.
The reaffirmation comes at a time when Somalia continues to navigate complex internal political dynamics, security challenges linked to the fight against Al-Shabaab, and renewed regional debates over governance arrangements and territorial claims.
Somalia formally joined the EAC in 2023, becoming the bloc’s eighth member and marking a major milestone in its reintegration into regional economic and political structures after decades of instability.
EAC officials say Somalia’s membership is not only symbolic but strategic, positioning the Horn of Africa country as a key link between East Africa, the Red Sea, and the wider Indian Ocean trade corridor.
By restating its position, the EAC signalled its intention to discourage any actions that could undermine Somalia’s sovereignty, while reinforcing regional norms that safeguard the territorial integrity of member states.
The bloc urged all stakeholders to pursue dialogue and cooperation in line with international law, stressing that respect for sovereignty remains a cornerstone of peace, stability, and integration in the East African region.
The statement was issued by the EAC Secretariat on December 28, 2025.