MOGADISHU — The National Resources, Infrastructure and Transport Committee of the Upper House of the Federal Parliament of Somalia held a meeting with the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Daahir Shire Mohamed, and senior officials from the Ministry to discuss the proposed legislation establishing the Somali Mining Authority.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Zaynab Ismail Mohamed, Chairperson of the Upper House Committee on National Resources, focused on reviewing, clarifying and addressing provisions of the draft law that require further explanation.
Members of the Committee raised a number of questions regarding the proposed legislation, particularly provisions concerning the mandate, responsibilities and legal powers of the proposed Somali Mining Authority.
The Minister and accompanying Ministry officials provided detailed responses to the questions raised by the senators and explained the objectives of the draft legislation, as well as the government’s broader approach to regulating and developing Somalia’s mining sector.
The meeting also featured an extensive exchange of views between the Committee and the Ministry, with particular attention given to provisions that require further clarification to ensure that the proposed law is comprehensive, practical and consistent with Somalia’s legal framework.
Following the discussions, the two sides reached a common understanding on several provisions that had required clarification, paving the way for further consideration of the draft legislation within the parliamentary process.
Importance of the Proposed Mining Authority
The proposed Somali Mining Authority is expected to play an important role in regulating and developing Somalia’s mineral resources. A clear legal and institutional framework could help strengthen the management of the country’s mining sector, promote responsible investment and ensure that mineral resources are managed in the national interest.
The legislation is also expected to contribute to greater transparency and accountability in the management of mineral resources, while establishing clearer responsibilities for government institutions and other stakeholders involved in the sector.
For Somalia, which possesses significant but largely underdeveloped mineral potential, establishing an effective regulatory framework could provide opportunities to attract investment, generate public revenue, create employment and support long-term economic development.
The Upper House emphasized the importance of thoroughly reviewing legislation related to national resources to ensure that it is consistent with the Federal Constitution, the public interest and the principles of effective and sustainable resource management.
The meeting forms part of the Upper House’s broader legislative review process aimed at ensuring that draft laws submitted to Parliament are carefully examined and strengthened before proceeding to subsequent stages of consideration and approval.
Further consultations and technical discussions on the proposed Somali Mining Authority Law are expected as Parliament continues its review of the legislation.
