Monday February 12, 2024
FILE - Somali legislators vote in Mogadishu, Somalia, April 12, 2021. On March 8, 2023, the lower house of Somalia’s Parliament approved a new anti-terrorism law.
Mogadishu (HOL) - The Federal Parliament of Somalia's two chambers will be deliberating on amendments to the initial four chapters of the Provisional Constitution this week. This parliamentary debate, from February 14 to 19, represents the first significant effort to complete the constitution since 1960.
Both chambers have been provided with a draft for the proposed amendments alongside a report from the Constitution Review and Monitoring Committee. The discussions will cover Chapters 1 through 4, starting with Chapter 1 from February 14 to 19. Following this, Chapter 2 will be debated from February 21 to March 4, Chapter 3 from March 6 to 11, and Chapter 4 from March 13 to 23.
The ongoing debate has sparked significant controversy, with divisions already visible within parliament over these amendments. The Puntland administration and former leaders have expressed concern about the proposed amendments.
On Sunday, opposition leaders wrote to the President urging him to prioritize his focus on the war against Al-Shabaab and strategize how to thwart the contentious Somaliland-Ethiopia MoU. However, President Hassan Sheikh has made clear that the amendment process was non-negotiable, adding that any changes will be implemented by Somalia's next administration.