Raxanreeb Online Muqdishu: The state defense minister, Hon. Omar Ali Abdi, has called upon lawmakers to fast-track approvals for the Somali Forces to join the East Africa standby force.

Speaking during the second reading of the Agreement on the establishment of the East Africa Standby Force, Minister Abdi emphasized that the agreement is a vital step towards enhancing Somalia’s security and contributing to peace and stability across the broader East African region.

The session saw members of parliament raise fundamental questions that were aimed at highlighting and underscoring the importance of Somali forces joining the regional bloc.

The MPs raised questions on the immediate positive impact the alliance will have on Somalia, fostering regional security cooperation in the East Africa region, and the specific contributions and requirements from the Somali Armed Forces (SNAF) within the regional framework.

The defense minister reiterated that the alliance of the Somali Forces in the block will play a major role and enhance security at the Horn of Africa. The force will be ready to be deployed in volatile areas within the East Africa region to manage, prevent, and resolve conflict.

He further said the platform will create room for Somalia to further collaborate extensively with East African countries on matters of security.

Somalia is currently undertaking the legislative process to seek the approval of the agreement, which was prepared by the Ministry of Defence.

The Agreement has successfully passed through the 1st reading and the house committees on the 2nd reading, which consisted of the Defence Committee, Foreign Affairs, and International Cooperation.

The fate of the Agreement will be known after the 3rd reading and the final voting in the House of Representatives.

This signifies Somalia’s readiness to play a pivotal role in maintaining law and order in the East African region.