MOGADISHU – The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hassan Moallim Mahmoud, received the European Union Ambassador and senior United Nations Development Programme leadership at his office in Mogadishu.
The meeting centered on enhancing collaboration in implementing the Justice Sector Strategy 2025–2029 and broadening justice service access nationwide. The Minister has invested significant resources in coordinating diverse judicial entities to create a cohesive and modernised legal structure, with his primary objective being to establish a robust legal system capable of implementing government directives, regularising judicial processes, and safeguarding citizens’ rights.
Justice Sector Strategy 2025–2029
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre inaugurated the Somali Justice Sector Strategy for 2025-2029 in Mogadishu, a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening Somalia’s justice system by enhancing legal frameworks, improving the delivery of legal services, and ensuring broader access to justice across the nation. The strategy is expected to address systemic challenges, promote the rule of law, and contribute to peacebuilding efforts by fostering trust between the government and its citizens.
Minister Hassan thanked the European Union for its ongoing support to Somalia’s justice sector and recognized UNDP’s work in implementing the Joint Justice and Corrections Programme (JJCP), a vital initiative focused on improving justice delivery and correctional services in Somalia.
High-Level Steering Committee Meetings
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, in collaboration with United Nations partners, has convened biannual High-Level Steering Committee Meetings of the JJCP in Mogadishu, bringing together justice ministers from Somalia’s Federal Member States, international development partners, and key donors supporting the justice sector reform agenda. The committee reviews progress made under the programme, including improvements in legal aid provision, court infrastructure, judicial training, and prison management reforms.
The dialogue highlighted the mutual dedication of the Federal Government of Somalia, the EU and UNDP to advancing justice sector reforms and improving justice accessibility for all citizens. The Joint Justice and Corrections Programme is a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening rule of law in Somalia, implemented in partnership with UNDP, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and other agencies.
Expanding Judicial Partnerships
On the international front, Minister Moallim has expanded judicial partnerships beyond traditional allies. He signed a cooperation agreement with Algeria to enhance collaboration on legal frameworks, judicial independence, human rights, and the rule of law. The agreement was described by both sides as a significant step toward strengthening institutional capabilities within the judicial domain. The Ministry has also been working to modernise Somalia’s legal framework, including the introduction of a new Criminal Code to replace the outdated 1962 legislation. Minister Moallim has described the goal as establishing “a just, efficient, and updated judicial system that serves the Somali population.”
Looking Ahead
The Ministry of Justice has identified upcoming priorities including finalizing key legislative reforms, improving access to justice for vulnerable populations, enhancing coordination between federal and state justice institutions, and continuing capacity-building efforts for legal professionals and correctional officers. Moallim has emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to build an inclusive, accessible, and rights-based justice system in Somalia, thanking both national and international stakeholders for their sustained commitment to justice sector development.
