Mogadishu, Somalia – The long-running quest in Somalia for the constitutional reform process took another step forward this week as the Committees of Independent Constitutional Affairs and Constitutional Oversight concluded their latest review sessions, proposing amendments to chapters central to the country’s governance structure.
The committees focused their work on Chapters 5 and 6 of the Provisional Constitution, sections that define how power is shared across the federal system and how the national legislature functions. Their proposals aim to clarify lingering ambiguities that have often complicated cooperation between federal and state authorities, while also strengthening the legislative framework to keep pace with Somalia’s evolving political landscape.
Members involved in the deliberations described the discussions as rigorous, with particular attention paid to how responsibilities are divided between federal institutions and state governments. The review also examined the organization, roles, and procedures of parliament, an area many believe requires greater coherence as the country works toward more stable and predictable governance.
The amendments prepared during this round of consultations form part of the broader effort to complete the country’s permanent constitution, a goal that has gained renewed urgency as Somalia pushes ahead with reforms in security, justice, and public administration. Once formally compiled, the proposals will be transmitted to Parliament, where lawmakers are expected to debate and refine them before any final decisions are made.
For many Somalis, the committees’ progress signals cautious but meaningful movement toward a more functional federal system—one that better reflects the country’s aspirations for stability, representation, and shared authority.