Somalia Moves to Adopt Kiswahili as Part of East African Integration

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the Kiswahili language as part of its integration into the East African Community (EAC), marking a key step in aligning with regional linguistic and cultural frameworks.

In a meeting with a visiting delegation from the East African Kiswahili Commission (EAKC), Acting Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adala said the government is accelerating plans to institutionalize Kiswahili across Somalia’s media, education, and cultural sectors.

“Somalia is ready to fully participate in the regional efforts to implement Kiswahili as an official language of the Community,” Al-Adala said, adding that the initiative reflects the government’s broader vision to strengthen regional integration under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s leadership.

The talks, led by EAKC Executive Secretary Dr. Caroline Asiimwe, focused on establishing a National Kiswahili Council to coordinate local implementation and policy development.

Asiimwe welcomed Somalia’s proactive approach, saying the promotion of Kiswahili is a shared responsibility across all EAC member states.

The meeting followed EAC directives to accelerate the rollout of Kiswahili as an official language, a move intended to deepen social cohesion and economic cooperation within the region.

Somalia’s adoption of Kiswahili will enhance its participation in regional institutions, expand trade opportunities, and foster cultural exchange among East African nations.