Somalia’s minister of justice meets italian and national university experts to strengthen legal education and justice institutions

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hassan Macallin Mahmoud, today received a delegation of legal experts from the Somali National University and the Government of Italy at his office in Mogadishu.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in building the knowledge, skills, and professional capacity of legal practitioners within the Federal Government of Somalia. Discussions also centered on advancing plans for the establishment and implementation of the Somali Institute for Legal Studies, which is expected to play a pivotal role in the development of the country’s justice sector.

During the talks, Minister Hassan Macallin Mahmoud emphasized the government’s commitment to investing in legal education as a foundation for justice reform, constitutional development, and good governance. He noted that a well-trained and competent legal workforce is essential for ensuring the rule of law, protecting citizens’ rights, and strengthening public trust in state institutions.

The delegation highlighted the importance of academic and technical cooperation between Somali institutions and international partners, particularly in curriculum development, research, and professional training. They underscored that the Somali Institute for Legal Studies will serve as a national platform for advancing legal knowledge, improving professional standards, and supporting continuous learning for justice sector personnel.

Key areas of cooperation discussed during the meeting included the development of legal education and research, capacity building for justice sector staff, and strengthening the institutional capabilities of the country’s judicial and legal bodies. The participants also explored opportunities for technical assistance and knowledge exchange between Somalia and Italy.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration and translate the discussions into concrete programs that support long-term justice sector reform. Officials described the engagement as an important step toward building strong, professional, and resilient legal institutions capable of supporting Somalia’s ongoing state-building and constitutional processes.