Somalia’s EALA Representatives Sworn In After Months of Legal Disputes

Somalia’s nine representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) have finally been sworn in, ending months of delays and legal wrangles that had stalled their entry into the regional parliament.

The nine lawmakers Abukar Abdi Osman, Hussein Hassan Abdi, Sahra Ali Hassan, Ilhan Ali Gasar, Fatima Abdullahi Mahmoud, Abdisalam Hadliye Omar, Abdirahman Bashir Sharif, Faisal Abdi Roobke, and Fahma Ahmed Noor, took oath on Monday during a special hybrid session of the Assembly.

Somalia, which formally joined the East African Community (EAC) in November 2023 as its eighth member, had its representatives nominated by the Somali Federal Parliament at the end of 2025. However, their swearing-in was delayed by a protracted dispute over the nomination process, alongside financial challenges facing the regional bloc.

The matter escalated to the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), where a case challenging the nominations was filed. In January, the court resolved the dispute, overturning earlier orders that had temporarily halted the appointment process due to electoral conflicts.

Despite the resolution, the Assembly continues to grapple with operational challenges. Financial constraints have forced EALA to conduct its sessions virtually since last year, reducing its traditional in-person influence across the region.

Funding remains a major concern for the EAC, which relies heavily on contributions from its member states. As of January 31, 2026, the bloc was owed $89.37 million in unpaid dues, according to official data.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo leads in arrears with $27 million, followed by Burundi ($22.7 million), South Sudan ($21.8 million), and Somalia ($10.5 million). In contrast, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda have fully met their financial obligations for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.

In a bid to address the persistent funding shortfall, EAC leaders at their most recent summit approved a new contribution framework based on each member state’s GDP. They also agreed to waive half of the outstanding arrears, signaling renewed efforts to stabilize the bloc’s finances.

The swearing-in of Somalia’s representatives marks a significant step in the country’s integration into the EAC, even as the regional body continues to navigate financial and institutional challenges.