Parliament Advances UN Anti-Drug Convention, Reviews Turkey Judicial Pacts and Banking Law

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Parliament has taken steps towards strengthening international cooperation against drug trafficking, advancing judicial agreements with Türkiye and reviewing changes to the country’s central banking law as lawmakers continue work on key legislation.

The House of the People on Monday completed the first reading of the 1988 United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, an international treaty designed to strengthen cooperation between countries in combating illegal drug trafficking.

The convention provides a framework for international cooperation on drug-related crimes, including measures to address illicit trafficking networks, cross-border investigations and the movement of proceeds linked to drug offences.

Its consideration comes as Somalia seeks to strengthen its legal and institutional frameworks for tackling organised crime and improving cooperation with international partners.

The agreement was presented to Parliament by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, with Health Minister Dr. Ali Haji Adam responding to questions from lawmakers about its provisions and implications.

During the same sitting, legislators also conducted the third reading of agreements between Somalia and Türkiye concerning international judicial cooperation.

The agreements form part of the broader relationship between Mogadishu and Ankara, which has expanded in recent years across security, economic development and institutional cooperation.

MP Mohamed Jama Mursal Geelle, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, presented the committee’s report on the agreements.

Lawmakers also completed the third reading of proposed amendments to Somalia’s Central Bank Act, Law No. 130 of 2012, as the country continues efforts to strengthen its financial institutions and regulatory framework.

The proposed amendments were presented by MP Mohamed Harun Abdullahi, deputy chairman of the parliamentary committee responsible for budget, finance, planning, international cooperation and government accountability.

The parliamentary session was chaired by House Speaker Abdulqadir Mohamed Nur (Jaamac), alongside Second Deputy Speaker Abdullahi Omar Abshirow.

The proceedings formed part of the House’s 26th sitting of its eighth session.

While the first and third readings mark important stages in parliamentary consideration, the proceedings do not in themselves establish that the convention, judicial agreements or banking amendments have received final legislative approval.