Legislation

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…

Ay up, ever read a headline and thought, "Well, what’s the craic here?" Let me fill you in on the insider juice. Over in Mogadishu, it's not just the Somali tea brewing hot; their parliament's just given the green light to a law that’s set to shake up the election scene. They're gearing up for a voting system that'll finally hand over the ballot keys to every dude and dudette in the country. Now that’s what we call democracy getting its groove back! Gather 'round for espresso shots of democracy—173 lawmakers, snug in their…

On October 31, Mali's transitional national council approved a law that criminalizes homosexuality, a move that casts a long shadow over the nation’s LGBTQI+ community. This newly minted legislation heightens the dangers of stigma, discrimination, and violence against individuals identifying as part of this community across Mali. This isn't just a recent shift; Mali's human rights landscape has dramatically declined since January. The government has rolled out harsh measures targeting opposition groups, mainstream media,…

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud spoke to Parliament, highlighting the pressing need to implement essential election laws as Somalia gears up for its forthcoming elections. His comments coincide with lawmakers voting to extend their legislative session. CREDIT/ SONNA Mogadishu (AX) — This month, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud successfully persuaded Somalia's parliament to remain in session, thus postponing their planned recess to address vital legislative issues, particularly those related to the upcoming elections. A…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Saturday, Somalia’s Parliament granted a one-month extension to its current session, responding to a request from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to postpone the lawmakers' recess in order to address urgent election legislation. Originally slated to begin their break on November 6, the Parliament will now continue its work until early December this year. In his address to the Parliament, President Mohamud highlighted the pressing need for reviewing and passing critical laws and agreements that require…

MP Mukhtar Mohamed Guled, helming the Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Livestock, and Marine Resources, brought forth the legislation for its third discussion. As the presiding figure, Speaker Sheikh Aadan Mohamed Nur, accompanied by Second Deputy Speaker Abdullahi Omar Abshirow, declared the outcome, ushering the bills to the Upper House for further examination. Praising the legislative body's quick adaptability, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Mohamed Abdi Hayir Maareeye, along with Chairman Guled,…