Friday November 21, 2025
NAIROBI, Kenya (HOL) — The East African Court of Justice has reinstated nine Somali delegates to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), ending months of suspension tied to allegations of a flawed and politically influenced selection process.
The Arusha-based court lifted an injunction issued earlier this year after several Somali academics and politicians challenged the legitimacy of the delegates’ election. They alleged that corruption, exclusion of eligible candidates and violations of East African Community procedures tainted the parliamentary selection process in Mogadishu.
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The petitioners argued that the Federal Parliament bypassed key nomination rules, claiming the process favoured politically connected individuals while sidelining qualified contenders. The court temporarily blocked the swearing-in of the delegates pending a full review of the case, leaving Somalia without formal representation in EALA.In its final ruling Friday, the court found insufficient grounds to continue blocking their appointment and confirmed that the nine members are now eligible to assume their seats.
The decision is expected to have political implications in Mogadishu, as it raises renewed scrutiny over transparency and fairness in Somalia’s selection of representatives to regional and international bodies. It may also trigger calls for clearer nomination procedures within both houses of Parliament.
Somalia, which joined the East African Community in 2023, is sending its first cohort of delegates to the regional assembly. Full participation in EALA is considered integral to advancing its interests on trade, infrastructure and regional cooperation.
The Federal Government has not yet issued an official response to the ruling, but a statement is expected in the coming hours.
EALA plays a critical role in guiding regional policy, including legislation on economic integration, security and cross-border movement. Somalia's reinstated participation marks a significant step in its effort to strengthen regional ties after years of diplomatic and institutional rebuilding.