Las Anod — The newly formed Northeastern State of Somalia on Thursday welcomed the Federal Parliament’s approval of a revised national constitution, calling the move a significant step toward strengthening Somalia’s federal system and clarifying the country’s governance framework.
In a statement issued by its Ministry of Justice, Religious Affairs and Constitutional Affairs, the regional administration congratulated both the House of the People and the Upper House for completing a long-delayed review. The ministry described the adoption as a milestone in consolidating Somalia’s political order after years under a provisional charter.
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“A complete constitution forms the foundation of the system of government, the hierarchy of institutions and the protection of citizens’ rights,” the statement said.
Somalia’s bicameral parliament approved the revised charter on Wednesday in a joint session, formally replacing the provisional constitution adopted in 2012 at the end of the country’s transitional period. Lawmakers said the updates, covering Chapters 1 through 13, aim to clarify the division of powers between federal and state authorities, define institutional mandates and reinforce the federal model.
The Northeastern State ministry said finalizing the constitution would help reduce legal and administrative disputes by spelling out the roles of federal and regional bodies, a recurring source of friction since the federal arrangement took shape more than a decade ago.
It also urged broad-based engagement as the country moves from text to implementation, emphasizing the need for sustained dialogue among government institutions, regional administrations and civil society to ensure the document reflects national unity and shared priorities.
“We urge both houses of parliament to continue their efforts to complete the remaining constitutional processes while safeguarding Somalia’s unity, stability and development,” the ministry said.
The 2012 provisional constitution established permanent federal institutions but left several foundational issues unresolved, with successive governments pledging a comprehensive review. That process was repeatedly delayed amid political disagreements between the federal government and member states over competencies, resource management and institutional authority.
By endorsing the revised charter, lawmakers signaled a bid to move beyond the ambiguities that have complicated state-building and service delivery. According to parliament, the updated chapters are intended to:
- Clarify the allocation of powers between the federal government and regional member states.
- Define mandates and oversight responsibilities of key institutions.
- Strengthen the federal system’s legal underpinnings to support stability and governance.
While the text approved Wednesday marks a major step, the Northeastern State ministry’s appeal underscores that constitutional implementation—drafting enabling laws, aligning administrative practices and resolving any outstanding provisions—will determine whether the changes take root. The ministry framed the moment as an opportunity to reduce disputes through clearer rules and to broaden consensus through inclusive consultation.
The regional government’s support also highlights the political stakes of the process: after years in which constitutional ambiguity fueled center–periphery tensions, buy-in from federal member states will be essential to translate the revised framework into predictable governance and improved public services.
Parliament has not yet detailed the timeline for the remaining constitutional steps, but lawmakers and regional authorities alike are casting the vote as a chance to reset Somalia’s state-building agenda under a clearer, more durable legal foundation.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
