Arusha, Tanzania(Mogadishu24)-Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud joined East African Community (EAC) Heads of State and Government at a high-level side event marking the 25th anniversary of the regional bloc.

The event, held in Arusha, reflected on the transformative journey of the EAC and its forward-looking vision for regional integration.

President Mohamud reaffirmed Somalia’s dedication to regional cooperation, economic collaboration, and collective prosperity. He highlighted the importance of addressing shared challenges, promoting peace, and leveraging regional potential to achieve sustainable development.

The EAC, established in 1999 by founding members Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, has expanded over the years to include Rwanda and Burundi in 2007, South Sudan in 2016, the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2022, and Somalia, the newest member, in 2023.

The summit, scheduled for November 30, will bring together leaders from the bloc’s eight member states to discuss key issues, including selecting new EAC leadership. The event underscores the bloc’s commitment to fostering unity and collaboration in the region.