The East African Community heads of states Summit will next week deliberate on Somalia’s entry into the East African bloc alongside Africa’s newest country, South Sudan.

The 17th Ordinary East African Community (EAC) Heads of State Summit which is slated for 29th February will also review the political federation action plan which aims at establishing a singled sovereign state.

Somalia first applied for EAC membership in 1974 shortly before the bloc collapsed owing to ideological and economic differences between the initial three member states-Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Market access

The Horn of African nation subsequently submitted its application in February 2012 but the Summit deferred its consideration. South Sudan’s entry into the bloc was also rejected for review at the same period.

The EAC has a combined GDP size of about US$ 75 billion with a market access of over 130 million people and now operates a common market protocol and customs union.

Former Tanzanian president Jakaya Kikwete last year indicated the EAC heads of states were keen on approving Somalia’s entry into the community and called for broader support to accelerate the membership process.

Arab League

Somalia was the first non Arab country to join the Arab League in 1974 five years after joining the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in 1969.

A country only gains admission to the EAC, if it meets the criteria spelt out in its treaty, signed on 30 November 1999.

The EAC treaty sets out conditions for membership, including adherence to universally acceptable principles of good governance, democracy, rule of law, observance of human rights and social justice.

The Heads of State are expected to launch the new International East African e-Passport (electronic-Passport) during their meeting.

Kenya, Burundi and Uganda, all EAC members contribute troops to the African Union sanctioned force, AMISOM in Somalia.