MOGADISHU, (HAN) – The Speaker of the Upper House of the Federal Parliament of Somalia, Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, has called for urgent measures to strengthen the country’s governance and justice system. In a statement delivered to lawmakers, he emphasized the need to accelerate the establishment of the Judicial Service Council and the Constitutional Court, two long-delayed institutions seen as critical to upholding the rule of law in Somalia.
According to Speaker Abdullahi, the absence of these judicial bodies has weakened efforts to consolidate state institutions and ensure accountability. He underscored that a functioning Judicial Service Council would play a vital role in safeguarding judicial independence, while the Constitutional Court would serve as the final arbiter in interpreting the federal constitution and resolving disputes between different levels of government.
At the same time, Speaker Abdullahi renewed a longstanding call for the formalization of Mogadishu’s special status as the federal capital. He stressed that the issue, which has been under discussion for years, can no longer be postponed, noting that the capital requires a clearly defined legal framework to manage its governance, administrative powers, and relationship with federal and regional authorities.
He urged both chambers of parliament — the Upper House and the House of the People — to urgently debate and pass a specific law that clarifies Mogadishu’s status. “We are calling for the establishment of the Judicial Service Council and the Constitutional Court, and for both Houses to work jointly on legislating the status of Mogadishu,” he said.
The Speaker’s appeal comes at a time when Somalia continues to face mounting challenges in consolidating its state institutions. Analysts argue that the absence of strong and independent judicial bodies has hampered efforts to build public trust in the justice system. Meanwhile, the unclear governance arrangement of Mogadishu has led to tensions between federal and municipal authorities.
Political observers note that resolving these two issues — judicial reforms and Mogadishu’s status — will be essential for ensuring stability, good governance, and constitutional order in Somalia.
