MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia has strengthened its regional role after a Somali judge was sworn into the East African Court of Justice, a senior official said Sunday.
Judge Abdiwakhid Warsame Abdullahi took his oath during the 25th EAC Heads of State Summit in Arusha, Tanzania, joining the court’s First Division.
The East African Court of Justice is the highest legal authority for disputes arising from EAC agreements, including cross-border trade and non-tariff barriers.
Abdullahi, a former prosecutor at the Benadir Regional Court, holds a Master of Laws in comparative and constitutional law from Ohio State University.
He also served as a legal advisor and case reviewer in Columbus, gaining international experience in court procedures and dispute resolution.
Officials described the appointment as a diplomatic success that gives Somalia greater influence in legal and political decisions across East Africa.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, attending the summit, underlined Somalia’s progress in economic reform, security development, governance, and finalizing the national constitution.
The EAC has urged Somalia to align national laws with regional agreements and complete consultations on East African federalism by June 2026.
Somalia’s seat on the court is expected to defend Somali business interests and strengthen the country’s participation in regional legal and trade matters.
