Somali cabinet approves key laws and agreements in weekly meeting
The Somali Cabinet has endorsed major legislative reforms, including the updated Penal Code, the establishment of a National Environment Management Authority, and key international agreements on maritime safety and humanitarian law. The decisions came during a weekly meeting chaired by Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre, who urged ministers to support ongoing reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts across the country.
The Council of Ministers of the Federal Government of Somalia, in its weekly meeting held today, approved several major laws and international agreements aimed at strengthening governance, justice, and environmental management in the country.
The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, endorsed the revised Somali Penal Code after an extensive consultation process involving religious scholars, civil society, and legal experts. The updated law has been aligned with Islamic principles, the national Constitution, and international human rights standards.
The Cabinet also held an in-depth discussion on the draft law establishing the National Environment Management Authority, a landmark step that will give Somalia its first dedicated institution for environmental regulation at a time when climate change impacts and widespread environmental degradation are intensifying across the country.
Among the laws and agreements approved today were:
1. A Memorandum of Understanding between Somalia and Algeria on cooperation in petroleum, gas, and mineral development.
2.The Draft Bill for the Establishment of the National Environment Management Authority.
3. The Draft Bill of the Somali Penal Code.
4. The International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (1979).
5. The Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 and their Additional Protocols.
During the session, the Cabinet received updates on recent progress in national security operations and electoral preparations.
Prime Minister Hamsa concluded the meeting by directing ministers to actively support ongoing reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts in areas affected by clan conflicts. He emphasized that the Ministry of Interior has been specifically tasked with leading mediation initiatives to help stabilize communities and foster long-lasting peace.
