Mogadishu, Somalia – The Federal Government of Somalia’s Council of Ministers convened for its regular session today, presided over by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, adopting pivotal legislation and international agreements crucial to the nation’s legal and environmental frameworks.
The Cabinet approved the Somali Penal Code Bill in a significant move. This thorough revision followed extensive deliberations with Islamic scholars, civil society representatives, and legal professionals to ensure the new code adheres to Islamic Sharia law, the national Constitution, and international human rights standards. This penal code modernization marks a substantial advancement in reinforcing the rule of law and modernizing Somalia’s judicial system.
To tackle pressing environmental challenges and degradation, the Council endorsed the Bill creating the National Environmental Management Agency. This inaugural institution will serve as the country’s first dedicated body, responsible for overseeing environmental conservation and addressing the widespread deforestation and climate impacts confronting Somalia.
Expanding international partnerships and maritime security, the ministers approved three significant agreements:
– A Memorandum of Understanding with Algeria: Concentrating on collaboration in the petroleum, gas, and mining sectors.
– The International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR Convention 1979): Boosting Somalia’s capabilities for coordinating at sea rescue operations.
– The Geneva Conventions Additional Protocols of 12 August 1949: Demonstrating Somalia’s stronger dedication to international humanitarian law.
The agenda also included updates on national security developments and continuing electoral preparations.
Wrapping up the proceedings, Prime Minister Barre issued a directive concerning domestic stability. He directed the Cabinet to actively back mediation and reconciliation initiatives aimed at resolving inter-clan disputes affecting various regions of the nation, specifically designating the Ministry of Interior with the main role in spearheading these reconciliation efforts.
