Parliament Moves Ahead with Review of East African Standby Force Pact

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia’s lower house on Wednesday held its 15th sitting of the week, pressing forward with the second reading of the Agreement Establishing the East African Standby Force as lawmakers weighed its security and regional implications.

The session, chaired by Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Madoobe), drew 140 lawmakers to the parliamentary compound in Mogadishu.

The proposed pact, drafted by the Ministry of Defence and previously introduced for a first reading, is undergoing a joint review by the committees on Foreign Affairs and Defence.

MPs questioned the State Minister of Defence on how the agreement aligns with Somalia’s security priorities and the country’s wider role in regional cooperation. The debate focused on key clauses of the accord and its practical impact on the Somali National Army and regional stability.

Speaker Madoobe instructed the reviewing committees to complete preparations for the third reading, paving the way for a full debate and vote.

In a separate proceeding, the chamber split into two groups to continue the second reading of the Medicine Bill, signalling ongoing legislative work across sectors as the government pushes ahead with reforms.