MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Federal Cabinet has endorsed a series of governance and administrative reforms, including the rollout of a third-generation electronic passport and plans to digitize Cabinet operations, during its weekly meeting chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.
The Cabinet reviewed the country’s security and economic situation before receiving a detailed briefing from the Ministry of Internal Security on the introduction of the new Polycarbonate Electronic Passport (E-Passport). Officials said the upgraded passport incorporates advanced security features designed to enhance the credibility of Somali travel documents, simplify the application process, and facilitate international travel.
The ministry also announced that authorities have permanently ended the practice of modifying personal information on issued passports, describing the measure as essential to safeguarding the integrity and international reputation of Somalia’s passport system. The presentation included statistical data and updates on broader reforms to immigration and identity management.
Ministers also examined first and second quarter (Q1–Q2) ministerial performance reports and reviewed plans for the introduction of an Electronic Cabinet (E-Cabinet) System, which aims to digitize Cabinet procedures, improve inter-ministerial coordination, and strengthen efficiency and transparency in government decision-making.
On the legislative front, the Cabinet approved the Draft Rules of Origin Bill, submitted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The proposed law is intended to establish standards for determining the origin of goods, strengthen Somalia’s trade framework, and support compliance with regional and international trade agreements.
Prime Minister Hamza briefed ministers on his recent visit to Somalia’s Northeastern regional administration, where he praised the cooperation between local authorities and communities. He also congratulated Galmudug on conducting one-person, one-vote elections, describing the polls as an important step in Somalia’s democratic transition.
The Prime Minister further urged ministers and senior government officials to use Somali passports for official travel, saying the practice would reinforce national sovereignty and enhance the prestige of Somali state institutions. He commended Second Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji for surrendering his foreign passport, calling it a demonstration of commitment to the nation.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to the membership of the Judicial Service Commission following a recommendation from the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, replacing Ali Macalin with legal expert Adan Kuulow Macalin Qasim.
The decisions reflect the federal government’s continued efforts to modernize public administration, strengthen institutional accountability, improve service delivery, and advance governance reforms across Somalia.
