MOGADISHU — The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, H.E. Hassan Moallin Mohamud, has formally presented the new Somali Criminal Code to the House of the People.
The legislative proposal was introduced to the lower house of parliament after receiving prior approval from the Council of Ministers.
During the session, Minister Hassan Moallin emphasized the urgent need for legal reform, noting that the current legislation—Law No. 5 of 1962—has remained in effect for more than six decades. He argued that the outdated code fails to adequately address contemporary social realities and modern legal norms.
First Reading
During the initial reading of the bill, parliamentarians raised inquiries regarding its fundamental principles and scope. The Minister provided clarifications, calling on the legislature to conduct a thorough and expeditious examination of the text.
“Our goal is to establish a just, efficient, and updated judicial system that serves the Somali population,” the Minister stated.
The introduction of the new Criminal Code represents a significant step in the Federal Government’s broader agenda to modernize the nation’s justice institutions and align its legal framework with international standards.
