Somalia has paid $7.8 million, its full budget contribution dues for the financial year 2024/25.
Mogadishu beat the Democratic Republic of Congo, which joined the bloc two years ago and is yet to contribute a cent.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government sent in $7,853,071 last month, just before the EAC budget was presented before the legislative assembly.
The Somalia contribution therefore saw the budget grow from $103,842,880 in Financial Year 2023/24 to $112,984,442 in 2024/25.
“The joining of Somalia places additional responsibilities and obligations to the EAC Organs and Institutions,” said MP Kennedy Mukulia, when he presented a report of the Committee General Purposes.
“Whereas the budget of the Community may seem to have increased, it should be noted that this increase is largely attributed to the contribution of $7,853,071 from Somalia.”
As at June 2024, DRC owed the EAC $14.7 million, Burundi $11.2 million and South Sudan $8.6 million in contributions to the budget.
Kenya had paid its full contributions. Other EAC partner states have minimal arrears, with Rwanda owing $920,869, Uganda $200,203, and Tanzania, $122,694.
