Mogadishu (AX) — Under the vibrant political canopy of Somalia, a noteworthy moment unfolded in the Somali Parliament on Monday. It was a day that saw the approval of two pivotal legislative acts: the Youth Justice Bill and the Income Tax Bill. These are not mere legislative formality; they are emblematic of a nation striving to break free from its past shackles and move towards a horizon marked by prosperity and fairness.
Bihi Iman Igeh, the Minister of Finance, stood tall amid his peers as he commended the legislators for their unwavering support. With an air of both authority and gratitude, he remarked, “This bill is a stepping stone. It paves the way for enhanced revenue collection and is indeed a beacon of improved economic governance for our nation.” The legislative chamber resonated with approval as 138 Members of Parliament (MPs) cast a vote in favor of the Income Tax Bill. Only two stood in opposition, and a lone member maintained neutrality.
Across the aisle, parallel sentiments of optimism accompanied the approval of the Youth Justice Bill. This bill, which secured 139 affirmative votes, one more than its fiscal counterpart, saw two dissenters but no abstentions. The sentiments expressed by Hassan Moallim Mohamud, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, were infused with a palpable passion for justice. He affirmed, “This law is a cornerstone for our justice sector. It promises equity for our young Somalis, who are too often caught in the vagaries of conflict and instability.” One can’t help but ponder how this legislative act will transform a nation where nearly 70% of its populace are under the age of 30. Will it be a catalyst for change, addressing the darkness that has shadowed Somali youth for decades?
The dual enactments, constituting pivotal fragments of Somalia’s broader recovery and reform narrative, engage the discourse on what it means to foster a fairer justice system alongside fostering a robust economy. As one reflects on the historical nuances of this nation, questions arise: Can these reforms journey beyond the pages they are written on? Can they light the path to a Somalia where socio-political challenges are met with resilience, and where youth empowerment and economic sustainability reign?
Yet, the day did not end there. A fresh face emerged among the seasoned legislators, Mohamed Abdi Hassan ‘Afweyne’, who had rooted himself in victory in Dhusamareb just the previous week. His swearing-in had an essence of solemnity and anticipation. The parliament’s Sergeant-at-Arms, Mohamed Abdullahi Hassan Nuuh, was the embodiment of procedural tradition as he administered the oath, a ritual passing on the torch to a new custodian of governance.
In these moments, one is inevitably reminded of the words of American writer and futurist Alvin Toffler, “Change is not merely necessary to life – it is life.” Somalia, through the vehicle of its democratic institutions, is ever so slowly, yet boldly, engaging with change. And while the path may be fraught with the familiar obstacles of a tumultuous political landscape, the courage to draft legislation aimed at substantive reform represents a sprouting of hope amidst the sands of Mogadishu.
In closing, these legislative achievements, alongside the introduction of new blood into the parliamentary veins, sketch a delicate portrait of a nation poised on the cusp of significant transformation. It evokes imagery of youth equipped with justice’s scale and an economy fortified with a structured revenue framework, both reaching towards a common destiny. Somalia is scripting a new chapter — will the ink of these bills withstand the trials of governance?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
