Mogadishu, Somalia — Somalia’s newly elected representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) received a firm and encouraging send-off on Thursday as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met them at the State House in Mogadishu, reminding them that their mandate extends far beyond parliamentary protocol.
In a meeting marked by both pride and urgency, President Mohamud congratulated the delegation but wasted no time in underscoring the gravity of their assignment. He urged them to act as outspoken defenders of Somalia’s national interests within the East African Community (EAC), warning that regional cooperation must never come at the expense of sovereignty or strategic priorities.
“You are not just representatives; you are the voice of our nation in a critical arena. Your conduct must reflect leadership, patriotism, and unwavering loyalty to the people you represent,” the President told them.
The EALA seats, newly secured by Somalia after joining the EAC bloc in 2023, mark a milestone in the country’s integration into regional decision-making structures.
Yet for the President, participation alone is not enough.
He pressed the delegation to be proactive rather than symbolic — to influence legislation, shape policy discussions, and safeguard Somalia’s interests on issues ranging from trade to security cooperation.
Officials present at the meeting described the tone as both motivational and cautionary. The President reportedly reminded the delegates that every vote they cast, every speech they deliver, and every alliance they build within the Assembly will reflect on Somalia’s standing in the region.
“You must ensure that Somalia is not just present in the room — Somalia must be heard in the room,” he told them.
The delegation is expected to depart for Arusha, Tanzania, where the EALA sits, in the coming days. Their performance will be closely watched at home, where expectations are high that Somalia’s long-awaited entry into regional institutions will translate into tangible gains for its citizens.