Somali Parliament Advances Key Bills on National Finance, Sexual Crimes, and Piracy Prevention
The House of the People of the Somali Parliament held the 12th session of its 7th legislative term today, under the leadership of Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madoobe).
A total of 156 Members of Parliament (MPs) attended the session, which focused on several legislative initiatives critical to national governance, public safety, and social protection.
The session’s main agenda items included the third reading and voting of the National Payment System Bill, the first reading of the Sexual Crimes and Other Offenses Bill, and distribution of the third reading report on the Review of the Anti-Piracy and Hostage Prevention Law (Law No. 36 of 1975).
During the proceedings, MPs voted on the National Payment System Bill, prepared by the Ministry of Finance. The bill was passed overwhelmingly with 154 MPs voting in favor, as announced by Speaker Sheikh Adan Madoobe. The legislation is intended to modernize Somalia’s public financial management, streamline national payment processes, and ensure greater accountability and transparency in public fund transfers.
The House then moved to the first reading of the Sexual Crimes and Other Offenses Bill, developed by the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development. State Minister Mohamed Osman Naastaro presented the bill, emphasizing its role in protecting vulnerable groups, particularly women, from sexual violence and other abuses.
Since it was at the first reading stage, formal debate was not held; however, MPs asked detailed questions regarding its alignment with Islamic law and the Somali Constitution, potential fiscal implications, and the broader impact on Somali society.
In parallel, MPs received the report on the third reading of the Review of the Anti-Piracy and Hostage Prevention Law, which allows lawmakers to study the bill carefully before its next parliamentary reading. This legislation aims to strengthen Somalia’s legal framework for combating piracy and kidnapping, reinforcing maritime security and supporting national and international anti-piracy efforts.
Speaker Sheikh Adan Madoobe highlighted the critical importance of the Sexual Crimes and Other Offenses Bill, stating that it is essential for protecting women’s rights and preventing abuse in Somalia. He directed that the bill be referred to the Committee on Human Rights, Women, and Humanitarian Affairs for preparation of the second reading and further scrutiny.
The Speaker also reaffirmed the Parliament’s commitment to working with Somali scholars, civil society, and international partners to enact laws that are practical, culturally relevant, and beneficial to Somali citizens, particularly women and children.
He stressed that the 11th Parliament seeks to strengthen legal protections, promote justice, and enhance social welfare through legislation that reflects Somalia’s constitutional and moral values.
This session represents a key step in Somalia’s legislative agenda, demonstrating the Parliament’s active role in addressing critical social, economic, and security challenges while reinforcing the rule of law and institutional accountability
