The East African Community Court of Appeal (EAC Court of Appeal) has overturned the decisions preventing the Somali government’s elected members of the East African Community Parliament from taking their seats.
Somalia’s Ambassador to Tanzania and the EAC, Ilyas Ali Hassan, confirmed the decision, saying that the decision came after weeks of legal debate.
Somalia’s Ambassador to Tanzania added that the move would enhance Somalia’s influence within the East African Community and support its efforts to strengthen regional integration.
In November this year, the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) suspended the swearing-in of nine Somali representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
The decision came after Somali scholars and politicians raised concerns about the legitimacy of the elections held in Mogadishu, arguing that the electoral process was politically influenced, eligible candidates were ignored, and East African Community procedures were violated.
The complaint also alleged that the Federal Parliament had violated the appointment rules, which made it easier for individuals affiliated with the government to stand, while preventing other candidates. This dispute was the reason why the Court suspended the swearing-in of the nine representatives until a full review was conducted.
