Somalia’s Constitutional Reform Enters Final Phase

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia is edging closer to completing a years-long review of its Provisional Constitution, with the Independent Constitutional Review Commission preparing to submit the final three chapters to parliament.

The Commission said the remaining sections will be formally handed to the Joint Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Constitutional Review, a bicameral body within the Federal Parliament tasked with steering amendments through debate and approval.

Commission members have concluded internal consultations aimed at finalising procedural requirements to ensure the chapters are properly tabled before lawmakers.

Parliament has already approved the first four chapters of the constitution, while discussions on Chapters Five through Nine have been ongoing. Submission of the last three chapters would mark a significant step toward concluding the review process.

The constitutional reform drive has drawn mixed reactions across Somalia’s political spectrum. The federal government says the amendments are intended to clarify governance arrangements and reinforce state institutions. Critics, including some legislators and opposition figures, have questioned the legal and political ramifications of parts of the proposed changes.

Once received, the final chapters will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny, debate and possible amendment before being put to a vote in both houses.

The outcome of the review is expected to shape Somalia’s federal structure, electoral framework and broader governance system ahead of future political transitions.