Justice Ministry Assesses Key Projects, Advances Post-Constitutional Reform Agenda

MOGADISHU — The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs for the Federal Government of Somalia, Hassan Moallin Mohamud, has chaired a weekly senior leadership meeting dedicated to evaluating progress on the ministry’s priority projects, including ongoing constitutional review processes and judicial reforms.

During the proceedings, the Permanent Secretary and Directors General provided comprehensive updates on the execution of various plans and initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s legal and judicial framework.

Constitutional Review and Draft Legislation

The gathering assessed priorities following the constitutional review process, including draft legislation that requires political endorsement before being submitted to the Council of Ministers and Parliament. The Ministry has been actively working on modernizing Somalia’s legal framework, including the introduction of a new Criminal Code to replace the outdated 1962 legislation.

“Our goal is to establish a just, efficient, and updated judicial system that serves the Somali population,” Minister Moallin has previously stated when presenting the new Criminal Code to the House of the People.

The Ministry has also been engaged in aligning customary justice practices with the formal rule of law. In May 2025, the Ministry hosted a national town hall in Mogadishu bringing together senior government officials, legal experts, academics, women, youth, and community leaders to discuss how traditional dispute resolution systems can be better integrated with formal judicial institutions.

“Equitable access to justice for all Somalis must be at the heart of any legal reform,” stated Faysal Aadan Xasan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, during that forum.

International Judicial Cooperation

Somalia has been expanding its international judicial partnerships to support legal reforms. In February 2026, Minister Moallin traveled to Algiers where he signed a judicial cooperation agreement with his Algerian counterpart, Lotfi Boudjemaa, to enhance collaboration between the two nations.

The agreement pledges collaboration on creating legal frameworks and court processes, supporting judicial independence, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding human rights. Representatives from both administrations characterized the accord as a significant move toward strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing institutional capabilities within the judicial domain.

Justice Sector Reforms and Joint Programs

The Ministry has been implementing the Joint Justice and Corrections Programme (JJCP), a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening the rule of law in Somalia, implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and other agencies.

The biannual High-Level Steering Committee Meeting, chaired by Minister Moallin, brings together justice ministers from Somalia’s Federal Member States, international development partners, and key donors supporting the justice sector reform agenda. The committee has reviewed progress including improvements in legal aid provision, court infrastructure, judicial training, and prison management reforms.

National Dialogue and Political Reconciliation

Minister Moallin has played a key role in facilitating national political dialogue. In January 2026, the Federal Cabinet, acting upon the recommendation of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, formally extended an invitation to the Somali Future Council to participate in upcoming national dialogues, with a ministerial committee chaired by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs to oversee the forum’s organization.

The Minister has also urged opposition groups to bring their concerns to the negotiating table rather than issuing ultimatums. “If they have genuine grievances, they should present them through dialogue. Preconditions only obstruct the path to national unity,” he has stated.

Anti-Corruption and Asset Recovery Efforts

The Ministry has been actively engaged in regional efforts to combat corruption and recover illegally acquired assets. In October 2025, Minister Moallin represented Somalia at the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Conference on Combating Illegal Asset Trafficking and Recovery in Jeddah, where he underscored the importance of collective regional action in combating corruption and illicit financial flows.

Protection of Journalists and Human Rights

The Ministry has also been committed to ending impunity for crimes against journalists. In November 2025, Minister Moallin presided over the national commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, reaffirming the government’s determination to end impunity for crimes targeting media professionals.

He emphasized that freedom of the press is not just a right but a cornerstone of Somalia’s democratic transformation, recognizing journalists as vital partners in accountability and nation-building.

Operational Challenges and Justice Delivery

Officials additionally addressed administrative and operational issues, overall progress, and significant challenges confronting the ministry, reaching consensus on actionable measures to enhance justice service delivery across the country. Discussions centered on improving access to justice for Somali citizens, streamlining court procedures, and strengthening the rule of law.

The meeting concluded with important decisions focused on reinforcing transparency, accountability, and the continued advancement of Somalia’s judicial framework. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to implementing reforms that will restore public confidence in the justice sector and ensure the protection of citizens’ rights.

The weekly leadership meeting forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to monitor implementation of its strategic plan and address institutional bottlenecks affecting justice delivery nationwide.