By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU – The House of the People of the Federal Parliament of Somalia held its eighth session of the 7th sitting today, chaired by Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madobe), with First Deputy Speaker Sacdiya Yasin Haji Samatar and Second Deputy Speaker Abdullahi Omar Abshirow in attendance.
The session focused on deliberations over two major legislative proposals: the National Payment System Bill and the Amendment of the Anti-Piracy and Anti-Kidnapping Law, which was originally enacted in 1975.
During the debate, lawmakers discussed the importance of updating the decades-old anti-piracy legislation to reflect modern realities, including new forms of maritime crime and transnational threats. Members emphasized that the revised law would strengthen Somalia’s legal framework for combating piracy, human trafficking, and maritime insecurity, while aligning it with international conventions.
The National Payment System Bill was also a key focus of the session, as MPs highlighted the need for a more transparent and efficient financial transaction framework that can enhance government accountability and strengthen the national economy.
Speaker Sheikh Adan Madobe commended the lawmakers for their active participation and reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to enacting laws that advance Somalia’s governance, financial reform, and maritime security objectives.
The session concluded with plans to continue discussions in upcoming sittings, where the bills are expected to move toward formal approval following committee review and recommendations.
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Somali Ambassador Engages DRC Officials on Support for Somali Community in Haut Katanga
By HAN News Desk
Lubumbashi, DRC – The Somali Ambassador to Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ilyas Ali Hassan, has held a high-level meeting with Martin Kazembe Shula, the Governor of Haut Katanga Province — home to one of the largest Somali communities in the DRC.
The meeting, which took place in the provincial capital Lubumbashi, was also attended by Michel Kabwe Mwamba, Speaker of the Haut Katanga Provincial Parliament, and Patrick Afwimbi Mumamba, Mayor of Lubumbashi.
During the discussions, Ambassador Ilyas raised key issues concerning the welfare of Somali nationals residing in the DRC, particularly in the Haut Katanga region. He emphasized the importance of improving access to essential services, including consular support, documentation, and business facilitation for Somali traders who form a vital part of the local economy.
The ambassador also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Somali diplomatic missions and Congolese provincial authorities to ensure the safety, legal protection, and integration of Somali residents in the country.
Governor Kazembe and other DRC officials welcomed the ambassador’s visit, expressing readiness to enhance collaboration and ensure that Somali nationals living in the province can contribute positively to local development while enjoying their rights under Congolese law.
Ambassador Ilyas reaffirmed the Somali government’s commitment to protecting the interests of its citizens abroad and fostering stronger bilateral ties with the Democratic Republic of Congo through trade, cultural exchange, and diplomatic engagement.
