Somalia Defence Committee Seeks Security Chiefs’ Input on National Defence Bill

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s parliamentary Defence Committee has agreed to incorporate recommendations from the country’s military and intelligence chiefs into a proposed National Defence Bill as lawmakers work to strengthen the legal framework governing national security institutions.

The committee held consultations on Sunday with Somali National Army Chief Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud and National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Director Mahad Mohamed Salad at Villa Hargeisa in Mogadishu.

The meeting, chaired by committee chairman MP Yusuf Geelle Ugas, focused on aligning the draft legislation with Somalia’s defence priorities and the operational needs of its security institutions. Senior Somali Armed Forces officers also attended.

The consultations come as Somalia continues efforts to strengthen its armed forces, coordinate security institutions and expand its capacity to take responsibility for national security amid ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab.

The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is supporting the broader transition towards Somali-led security arrangements.

A national defence law could provide a clearer framework for the roles and responsibilities of defence institutions, while strengthening coordination and accountability. However, the specific provisions of the draft bill and the recommendations submitted by the security chiefs have not been made public.

The committee has not announced when the revised legislation will return for further parliamentary consideration.