Somalia Surpasses DRC in EAC Budget Contribution Amidst Integration Challenges

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia has emerged as a shining example of financial commitment to the East African Community (EAC), surpassing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in budget contribution.

Despite being the newest member of the EAC, Somalia has paid its full budget contribution dues for the financial year 2024/25, amounting to a whopping $7.8 million. This contribution has significantly increased the EAC budget from $103,842,880 in the previous year to $112,984,442.

The move has been lauded by many, including MP Kennedy Mukulia, who praised Somalia's financial commitment and the additional responsibilities and obligations it places on the EAC organs and institutions. However, the EAC's financial landscape is not all rosy, as other member states, particularly the DRC, Burundi, and South Sudan, have failed to honor their financial contributions to the Community.

As of June 2024, the DRC owed the EAC $14.7 million, Burundi $11.2 million, and South Sudan $8.6 million in contributions to the budget. This has led to calls for the disbursement of outstanding contributions and arrears to facilitate the activities of the financial year ending on 30th June 2024.

The integration process of Somalia into the EAC is also facing challenges, with calls for a comprehensive roadmap to guide the process. The East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) General Purpose Committee has urged the Council of Ministers to develop a roadmap for the full integration of Somalia, South Sudan, and the DRC, considering how each partner state contributes to the EAC budget.

The Committee recommends that the implementation of this roadmap shall be subject to the concerned partner states honoring their financial contributions to the Community. This move aims to ensure a fair and equitable integration process that considers each member state's financial commitments.

As Somalia continues to make strides in its integration into the EAC, it remains to be seen how the bloc will address the financial challenges facing some of its members. The EAC's financial landscape is a complex one, and finding a balance between financial commitments and integration processes will be crucial in ensuring the bloc's continued growth and prosperity.

GAROWE ONLINE