Cabinet Approves Refugee Chief, Ratifies Maritime Safety Conventions

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The federal government of Somalia’s cabinet on Thursday approved a series of measures covering humanitarian coordination, aviation oversight and maritime safety, in a session chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.

The Council of Ministers confirmed the appointment of Liiban Abdi Igal as Chairman of the National Commission for Refugees and IDPs, as the government seeks to strengthen coordination of aid delivery amid ongoing drought and displacement.

In the aviation sector, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation briefed the cabinet on an audit of domestic flight operations. Officials said several aircraft that failed to meet required safety standards were grounded, and a technical committee was established to conduct a broader review of compliance across the sector.

The cabinet also ratified three key international maritime conventions aimed at aligning Somalia with global shipping and environmental standards, including agreements on oil pollution liability, oil spill preparedness and international collision regulations at sea.

The measures are intended to enhance regulatory oversight, improve environmental protection and reinforce Somalia’s integration into international governance frameworks, as the government pursues broader institutional reforms and economic recovery.