EAC Court of Appeal overturns decision blocking Somalia’s EALA lawmakers

The East African Community (EAC) Court of Appeal has overturned earlier rulings that blocked the Somali lawmakers appointed by the Federal Government of Somalia from taking their seats in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

Somalia’s Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community, Ilyas Ali Hassan, confirmed the decision, stating that it followed weeks of legal deliberations and arguments before the regional court. He described the ruling as a significant legal and diplomatic victory for Somalia.

Ambassador Ilyas said the decision would enhance Somalia’s influence within the East African Community and support the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional integration and cooperation with fellow EAC member states.

In November last year, the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) had issued an order suspending the swearing-in of nine Somali representatives to EALA. The suspension followed complaints lodged by Somali academics and politicians who challenged the legality of the selection process conducted in Mogadishu.

The complainants argued that the election process was politically influenced, that qualified candidates were unfairly excluded, and that established EAC procedures and guidelines were violated. They also alleged that Somalia’s Federal Parliament bypassed nomination rules, making it easier for individuals linked to the government to secure seats while blocking other contenders.

As a result of those concerns, the court had halted the swearing-in of the nine representatives pending a full judicial review of the matter.

With the Court of Appeal’s latest ruling, those restrictions have now been lifted, paving the way for Somalia’s lawmakers to assume their roles in the regional legislative body. The decision is expected to reinforce Somalia’s participation in EAC institutions and mark an important step forward in its engagement with the regional bloc.

The ruling also brings closure to a contentious legal dispute that had raised questions about representation, transparency, and adherence to regional procedures, while signaling renewed momentum for Somalia’s role within the East African Community.