Mogadishu, Somalia – The Speakers of both Houses of the Federal Parliament of Somalia have entered into a two-day retreat aimed at accelerating the completion of the country’s long-awaited draft constitution.
The high-level gathering, which kicked off on Monday, brings together the leadership of the House of the People and the Upper House, alongside representatives from the Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission (ICRIC) and the Office of the Constitutional Oversight (OC).
According to parliamentary officials, the retreat is dedicated to addressing the remaining chapters of the draft constitution that have yet to be finalized. These include Chapters 10 to 15, which cover crucial issues such as security and defense, the civil service, public finance, federal-state relations, the administration of justice, and intergovernmental oversight. Once concluded, the revised chapters will be submitted to Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators for debate and eventual approval.
The constitutional review process, which has stretched over a decade, is seen as critical to Somalia’s state-building efforts. Finalizing the supreme law of the land will provide clarity on governance structures, power-sharing between federal and state authorities, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Among the contentious points still under discussion are the structure of the national security forces, the balance of power between Mogadishu and Federal Member States, the independence of the judiciary, revenue-sharing and natural resource management, and the status of the capital region, Mogadishu. Questions around electoral models, political party regulation, and eligibility criteria for the presidency are also central to the debate.
In recent years, disagreements over these sensitive issues have slowed progress. However, officials at the retreat emphasized a renewed sense of urgency to complete the process and move the country closer to constitutional stability.
Observers note that this retreat marks one of the final stages before the draft constitution is tabled for parliamentary debate, a step widely regarded as a milestone in Somalia’s fragile transition to a fully functioning federal state.
The leadership of both Houses is expected to issue a joint statement at the conclusion of the retreat, outlining the way forward and a clear timeline for parliamentary deliberations.