Somalia’s push to join the East African Community (EAC) has entered a critical stage, with the EAC Secretary General confirming a verification mission scheduled for late January. This marks Somalia’s third application for membership, after previous bids in 2012 and 2019 failed due to insecurity and governance challenges. The EAC treaty sets membership criteria including good governance, rule of law, human rights observance, geographical proximity, and a functioning market economy. Somalia shares borders and longstanding business ties with EAC states, particularly Kenya, and has a large diaspora within the region. Membership could grant Somali citizens visa-free travel, East African passports, and tax-free access to regional markets. Somalia offers strategic and economic potential, with Africa’s longest coastline, rich fishing grounds, major shipping routes, and significant untapped mineral resources. However, the country’s weak production capacity, reliance on foreign aid, and ongoing insecurity remain key obstacles.