Somalia has paid $7.8 million, its full budget contribution dues for the financial year 2024/25, beating beat the DR Congo, which joined the bloc two years ago and is yet to contribute a cent, The EastAfrican reports.

It is reported that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government sent in $7,853,071 last month, just before the EAC budget was presented before the regional legislative assembly, EALA.

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"The joining of Somalia places additional responsibilities and obligations to the EAC Organs and Institutions,” said East African Legislative Assembly MP Kennedy Mukulia, when he presented a report of the Committee General Purposes.

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"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, it is reported, DR Congo 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 had minimal arrears, with Rwanda owing $920,869, Uganda $200,203, and Tanzania, $122,694.

"There is an urgent need for disbursement of the outstanding contributions for FY’2023/2024, as well as arrears, to facilitate the activities of the financial year ending on 30th June 2024,” Mukulia said.

Somalia recently reaffirmed its commitment to integrating into the EAC, demonstrating strong participation in a pivotal regional meeting held last month in Nairobi.