Somalia Introduces Interim Rules for Cultural and Arts Organizations

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism has announced the implementation of new interim regulations governing the administration and registration of cultural and arts organizations operating in the country.

The regulations were approved through Ministerial Decree No. 0001/26, signed by the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism on July 27, 2026.

The directive applies to all institutions, organizations, councils, associations and individuals working in Somalia’s culture and arts sectors, including both domestic and foreign entities. The notice was also addressed to the culture ministries of the Federal Member States, the Benadir Regional Administration and other relevant stakeholders.

According to the ministry, the interim framework is intended to implement Somalia’s National Culture and Arts Policy and establish unified standards for registering, regulating and monitoring organizations working in the sector.

It also seeks to protect and promote Somali culture and the arts, strengthen cooperation between the ministry and cultural organizations, and ensure that their activities meet required legal and quality standards.

Under Article 2 of the ministerial decree, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism is responsible for registering all relevant licences and agreements, safeguarding information and official documents, and monitoring compliance with the regulations.

The ministry has called on all affected organizations and individuals to immediately align their activities with the new framework and contact the ministry regarding registration, licences, agreements and other documentation connected to their cultural and artistic work.

Ministerial Decree No. 0001/26 took effect upon being signed, in accordance with Article 3 of the decree.

The ministry said full cooperation and compliance would help establish a unified and legally recognized system for managing and advancing cultural and artistic activities across Somalia.

The decree cites Article 122(1) of Somalia’s Provisional Constitution, Prime Ministerial Decree No. 174 of February 15, 2025, and Prime Ministerial Decree No. 140 of October 12, 2023, concerning the implementation of the Somali Culture and Arts Policy.