Legislation

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…

Baidoa (AX) – In a significant advancement for humanitarian aid management within Somalia, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, the President of Southwest State, has ratified the Safeguarding of Humanitarian Assistance Law. At first glance, one might wonder how a single piece of legislation could tangibly influence the regions ravaged by recurring natural calamities. But then, isn't hope often planted by decisive steps, however small they may initially seem? Drafted meticulously by the Ministry…

In a bold move that’s sending ripples across the political landscape, President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially enacted the much-debated Expropriation Bill. The controversial law paves the way for government entities to seize land in the public interest, but it comes with a set of stringent guidelines aimed at ensuring fair compensation for those affected. With this step, the new legislation effectively dismantles the archaic Expropriation Act of 1975—a remnant of the apartheid era that many saw as outdated and unjust.…

In a historic leap forward, Thailand has emerged as the pioneer in Southeast Asia for legalizing same-sex marriages. With LGBTQ+ organizations rallying together, the nation aims to celebrate this groundbreaking moment by facilitating over 1,000 marriage registrations in a single day. After a relentless pursuit that spanned decades, Thailand joins the ranks of only two other Asian territories—Taiwan and Nepal—that have embraced marriage equality. The new law, which formally takes effect today, marks not just a shift in…

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for a reevaluation of the definition of terrorism in the UK, citing an alarming evolution in the nature of threats facing the nation. He delivered his remarks from Downing Street, emphasizing that the current legal framework is outdated, primarily addressing threats from organized terrorist groups or specific extremist ideologies. However, an unsettling new breed of assailant has emerged—individuals who become radicalized by obsessively consuming disturbing online content, often in…

In a move brimming with historical and sentimental significance, Italy handed over a treasure trove of Somali laws and official documents from 1950 through 1989, meant to invigorate Somalia's legal structure and cultural rejuvenation. Italian Ambassador Pier Mario Daccò Coppi presented this digital archive to Somali Minister of Justice Hassan Moalim Mohamud at a poignant ceremony in Mogadishu. The event also poignantly marked the anniversary of the massacre of Italians in the city in 1948. These documents, gifted by Italy's…

The U.S. House of Representatives took a decisive stand by overwhelmingly backing a controversial bill aimed at imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). This move comes after the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and former Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant. Termed the “Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act,” this bill passed with a robust vote of 243-140, displaying a clear stance in favor of Israel. "America stands against what it perceives as a kangaroo court,"…

In a significant legal development, Ghana's Supreme Court has turned down two attempts aimed at halting the enactment of a contentious piece of legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community. This legislation, formally known as the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, received parliamentary approval in February. Under this bill, individuals from sexual minorities could face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years for engaging in homosexual relations. While the bill boasts substantial backing within Ghana, it has…

"This groundbreaking legislation lays the groundwork for a transparent political process guided by the constitution," Interior Minister Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh declared with enthusiasm, commending lawmakers for their unanimous thumbs-up. "This is a whopping milestone for fortifying our democratic institutions." With this new law, a robust framework is set for political parties, ensuring they conduct themselves with transparency and responsibility while staying in step with Somalia’s Constitution. It’s a crucial move in the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Jubbaland's leadership, alongside its representatives in Somalia's federal Parliament, have declared their opposition to a newly sanctioned law that establishes the Independent National Electoral Commission. They argue it breaches constitutional principles and excludes them from pivotal discussions.On Saturday, a statement emerged from the corridors of power in Jubbaland, decrying the parliamentary proceedings as "unlawful" due to the absence of their own lawmakers and those from Northeastern State during…