Somalia Cabinet Approves Draft Framework for Judicial Council

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Cabinet has approved a draft framework for establishing a Judicial Council, marking another step in the government’s efforts to reform the judiciary and strengthen the country’s constitutional institutions.

The Ministry of Justice said in a statement that the proposed council would oversee judicial affairs and help improve the independence, accountability and effectiveness of the justice system.

The proposal outlines the council’s composition and responsibilities, including provisions intended to protect judicial institutions from interference and ensure their operations comply with the law and established procedures.

Under the draft, the council would have a chairperson with ministerial status and five deputy chairpersons drawn from government institutions.

The proposed membership includes representatives from ministries responsible for constitutional and federal affairs, finance, religious affairs, education and health.

The framework also calls on government institutions to avoid actions that could interfere with the judiciary or undermine efforts to establish the council.

The Ministry of Justice and other relevant institutions would coordinate the implementation process, including arrangements for the council’s formation and operation.

The proposal comes as Somalia pursues broader constitutional and institutional reforms aimed at clarifying the responsibilities of government bodies and strengthening the rule of law.

An independent and functioning judicial council is widely regarded as an important part of judicial governance, particularly in matters involving the administration of courts and safeguards against political interference.

However, the proposed inclusion of government ministers in the council’s leadership could raise questions about how judicial independence would be maintained and what safeguards would govern its decisions.