Somalia Chairs East African Parliamentary Cooperation Talks in Nairobi

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: Somalia has taken a role in efforts to strengthen legislative cooperation across East Africa, with the secretary general of its House of the People chairing a regional meeting focused on improving parliamentary coordination, accountability and institutional efficiency.

Abdirahman Mohamed Abdulle, known as Jaabiri, chaired a meeting of secretaries general of parliaments from East African Community (EAC) member states in Nairobi, where officials reviewed the secretariat’s report and discussed ways to improve the functioning of legislative institutions across the region.

The discussions focused on closer coordination between parliamentary administrations, stronger accountability mechanisms and more efficient support for legislative work. Participants also prepared recommendations for submission to the Council of Speakers of EAC member-state parliaments.

The meeting highlights the institutional dimension of Somalia’s participation in the regional bloc, where cooperation extends beyond trade and economic integration to include governance, legislative engagement and the exchange of experience among member states.

Somalia formally joined the EAC in 2024, opening the way for deeper regional integration and participation in the bloc’s political and economic institutions. Its membership also brings opportunities to strengthen ties with neighbouring countries through regional frameworks addressing shared interests and challenges.

Parliamentary secretariats play an important role in supporting lawmakers, managing legislative procedures and ensuring that parliamentary business is conducted effectively. Greater coordination among them can help institutions share administrative practices and improve oversight and accountability.

Participants at the Nairobi meeting stressed the importance of sustained dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation in advancing the EAC’s common objectives.

The recommendations developed during the meeting are expected to be presented to the Council of Speakers for consideration. The announcement did not specify whether any proposals had been formally adopted or whether new agreements had been reached.