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Somalia Becomes Eighth EAC Member Amidst Mixed Reactions
Somalia, a nation scarred by decades of conflict and instability, finally joined the East African Community (EAC) Friday, November 24, 2023. This decision, long-awaited by Somalismarks a turning point for the war-torn nation, offering a glimmer of hope amidst ongoing challenges.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the architect of Somalia’s EAC membership bid, hailed the integration as a “beacon of hope” for his nation, promising a future of “opportunities and prosperity.” His optimism echoed the aspirations of many Somalis, who have endured decades of turmoil and yearned for stability and economic progress.
The decision to admit Somalia into the EAC was not without its apprehensions. Some member states raised concerns about potential security risks posed by the presence of al-Shabab, the militant group that has controlled parts of Somalia for years. Others questioned Somalia’s readiness to meet the EAC’s adherence standards in areas such as good governance, democracy, and human rights.
Somalia’s troubled history, including its ranking as the most corrupt country in the world by Transparency International, fueled skepticism about its ability to fulfill the EAC’s membership criteria. However, President Mohamud’s assurances of his government’s commitment to reform and his emphasis on Somalia’s strategic assets, including its vast coastline and potential for marine economic development, gradually allayed concerns.
Negotiations between Somalia and the EAC intensified in August, culminating in the landmark decision to grant Somalia membership. The decision was met with mixed reactions, with supporters welcoming the integration as a catalyst for regional growth and integration while others cautioned against potential challenges and the need for continued efforts to address Somalia’s internal issues.
Somalia’s EAC membership is a significant milestone in the nation’s journey towards peace and prosperity. It opens doors to enhanced trade, investment, and economic cooperation within the East African region, offering Somalia a much-needed boost to its struggling economy.
The EAC’s expansion ambitions extend beyond Somalia, aiming to integrate all Horn of Africa nations. In 2023, the Democratic Republic of Congo joined the bloc, and earlier this year, EAC Secretary General Peter Mathuki hinted at the possibility of Djibouti and Ethiopia following suit. With Somalia’s accession, the EAC now comprises eight member states: Burundi, DRC, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, and Somalia.
Niger Repeals Anti-Migration Law
In a decision that reflects both the complex dynamics of migration and the shifting political landscape in Niger, the military junta that seized power in July has revoked a long-standing anti-migration law.
The law, enacted in 2015 in response to the growing tide of West African migrants seeking passage to Europe, had effectively curbed the flow of people through Niger, but its enforcement had come at a significant cost to the livelihoods of communities in the arid northern regions that had relied on the migrant trade.
The repeal of the law, announced on Monday, signals a departure from Niger’s previous stance of cooperation with European efforts to stem migration. It is also a strategic move by the junta to bolster its support base in the north, where resentment towards the anti-migration law ran deep. The junta is seeking to mend relations with former Western allies, who had condemned the coup, while also addressing the economic hardships faced by communities that have traditionally relied on migration for income.
While the impact of the repeal on migration patterns remains to be seen, it is likely to have a profound effect on the lives of people in northern Niger. Unemployment rates in places like Agadez, a historic city and a key gateway to the Sahara, had soared under the previous law, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. The restoration of the migrant trade, albeit in a less regulated form, could provide a much-needed lifeline for these communities.
The European Union, which had provided substantial financial support to Niger in exchange for its cooperation on migration, is likely to react cautiously to the repeal. The EU’s Trust Fund for Africa, launched in 2015 with a budget of 5 billion euros, was intended to address the root causes of migration, but its effectiveness has been questioned. The reversal of Niger’s anti-migration stance could necessitate a reassessment of the EU’s approach to migration management in the region.
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