Somalia's Parliament Approves Historic Constitutional Amendments
March 30, 2024
WASHINGTON — Somalia changed its constitution Saturday during a parliamentary vote that, among other things, gives the country’s president the power to appoint and dismiss a prime minister.
After weeks of intense debate, Somalia's bicameral federal parliament approved amendments to the first four chapters in the country's provisional constitution.
In a joint session in Mogadishu, lawmakers voted on each chapter individually before casting votes on the overall amendments proposed by the Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission, or ICRIC.
The speaker of the Lower House, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe, announced a significant majority of members were in favor of amending the constitution.
“A total of 212 members of the Lower House and 42 members of the Upper House supported the amendments, with no abstentions or rejections. Therefore, the amendment has been approved with a unanimous vote,” said Madobe.
Hussein Idow, chairperson of the Constitutional Review Committee, said that three proposed provisions in a draft related to religion would get further review.
“This decision of the postponement of the religion provisions aims to ensure that these provisions align with the principles and values of the Somali people,” he said.
“This provisional constitution has been under review for nearly a decade. From 2012, three parliaments have tried to amend it, but the efforts to finalize the review gained momentum in late 2023. Thanks to the 11th parliament of Somalia for daring to conduct the amendment,” said Idow.
President and prime minister
One key provision in the approved draft establishes that Somalia will have a president and a prime minister. The president will hold the authority to appoint and remove the prime minister from office, an amendment that replaces the previous requirement for the prime minister to obtain a vote of confidence from parliament and allowing more flexibility in the executive branch.
Source: US media outlets.
Somalia and China Strengthen Ties in Security and Anti-Terrorism Efforts
Mr. Abdulqadir Mohamed Noor, Somalia’s Minister of Defense, and Mr. FEI Shengchao, the Chinese Ambassador to Somalia.
March 29, 2024
The landscape of international cooperation between Somalia and China received a boost with a recent meeting in Mogadishu. Mr. Abdulqadir Mohamed Noor, Somalia’s Minister of Defense, and Mr. FEI Shengchao, the Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, discussed strategies to enhance security and combat terrorism
Expressing gratitude for China’s sustained support, Minister Noor highlighted the enduring friendly ties that have historically united the two nations. He acknowledged China’s contributions to Somalia’s stability and development, emphasizing the importance of international solidarity in these endeavors.
Ambassador FEI Shengchao reciprocated the sentiments, affirming Somalia as a long-standing ally of China. He commended the Somali government and its citizens for their resolute efforts in promoting stability and advancing the governance process, which align with the shared objectives of both countries.
This meeting marks a reaffirmation of the mutual commitment to peace and security, setting a precedent for future collaborations between Somalia and China.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud receives China's special envoy to the Horn of Africa Xue Bing
March 25, 2024
The President of Somalia, H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohamud received the Chinese Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, Ambassador Xue Bing, who conveyed a message from President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China.
They also discussed ways to further enhance China-Somalia relations in matters relating to peace and security in the Horn of Africa region.
Source: China & Somalia media outlets.
I guess this Sheikh came to pay a pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Africa, Ethiopia. He is asking mercy and would shut his foully mouth about his neighbor of Somaliland too.
