The Federal Government of Somalia has launched a national town hall in Mogadishu focused on aligning customary justice practices with the rule of law.
The event, hosted by the Ministry of Justice, brought 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.
Speaking at the forum, Somalia’s Chief Justice Bashe Yusuf Ahmed emphasized the critical role customary justice plays in resolving disputes at the community level, noting that it helps reduce the caseload burden on the formal court system.
He underscored the importance of preserving the strengths of traditional mechanisms while ensuring they operate within a rights-based legal framework.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Faysal Aadan Xasan, officially opened the meeting by stressing the urgency of inclusive reforms to bridge the gap between formal and informal justice.
“Equitable access to justice for all Somalis must be at the heart of any legal reform,” he said.
Justice Minister Hassan Moallin echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the challenges posed by the disconnect between traditional and formal systems.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to leading efforts that harmonize the two in a way that respects human rights and the constitutional order.
The town hall marks a significant step toward national dialogue on justice sector reform, as Somalia continues its efforts to build a more inclusive, effective, and unified legal system.