Cabinet Backs Security Drive, Foreign Deals and Legal Reforms

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The federal government of Somalia’s cabinet on Monday approved a series of security, diplomatic and legislative measures aimed at strengthening stability, governance and international cooperation.

At an extraordinary meeting chaired by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and attended by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, ministers reviewed the national security situation, recent military operations against extremist groups and the completion of local council elections in Mogadishu’s Banadir region.

President Mohamud praised the cabinet’s role in delivering the Dec. 25 one-person, one-vote local elections, describing the vote as a historic milestone that demonstrated growing state capacity and public confidence in democratic processes.

The president also briefed ministers on what he described as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, saying diplomatic steps taken by the government had produced tangible results.

He urged unity within the cabinet, stressing collective responsibility in addressing security, political and economic challenges.

In a move expected to deepen regional and international ties, the cabinet approved two memoranda of understanding, one with Uganda on security cooperation and another with Saudi Arabia on maritime transport, both seen as key to strengthening Somalia’s defence coordination and trade connectivity.

Ministers also endorsed several draft laws and policies, including the Evidence Bill, regulations under the Public Data Protection Law, the establishment of a Somali Maritime Institute, ratification of an international seafarers’ training convention, and a national policy on persons with disabilities.

The meeting concluded with briefings on preparations for the start of oil production and on worsening drought conditions in parts of the country, underscoring the government’s parallel focus on economic development and humanitarian challenges.