Table of Contents
- Executive Summary: The Changing Face of Somalia’s Lawmaking
- Somalia’s Parliamentary Structure and Key Players (2025 Update)
- The Step-by-Step Legislative Process: From Proposal to Enactment
- Key Legal Reforms and Recent Amendments (2024–2025)
- Compliance and Oversight: New Rules for Lawmakers and Institutions
- Tax Legislation and Fiscal Policy: What’s Changing?
- Major Challenges: Security, Transparency, and Political Stability
- Essential Statistics: Legislative Output and Participation Trends
- Stakeholder Perspectives: Government, Civil Society, and International Partners
- Future Outlook: Predicted Developments in Somalia’s Legislative Process (2025–2030)
- Sources & References
Executive Summary: The Changing Face of Somalia’s Lawmaking
The legislative process in Somalia is undergoing significant transformation in 2025, reflecting efforts to strengthen state institutions and enhance the rule of law following decades of instability. The bicameral Federal Parliament, consisting of the House of the People (Lower House) and the Upper House, remains central to lawmaking. Legislation typically originates in either chamber, with bills requiring approval by both houses before receiving assent from the President. Recent years have seen a focus on harmonizing federal and state-level laws, a necessity given the country’s federal structure and the ongoing devolution of powers to regional administrations.
Key developments in 2024–2025 include the enactment of new laws targeting security, decentralization, and economic governance. For instance, the National Security Architecture Agreement was formalized in early 2024 to clarify security sector roles between federal and member states—a move supported by corresponding legislation in Parliament. The Somali government also prioritized the passage of the Public Financial Management Act, aiming to increase fiscal transparency and compliance with international standards—a prerequisite for debt relief and investment Ministry of Finance, Federal Republic of Somalia.
Despite these advances, compliance and implementation remain challenging. The Somali Federal Parliament held over 50 plenary sessions in 2024, but only a fraction of proposed bills made it through the full legislative cycle, highlighting capacity constraints and political divisions Federal Parliament of Somalia. Additionally, coordination between federal and regional parliaments continues to face hurdles, with overlapping jurisdictions and disputes over constitutional mandates frequently delaying progress.
Statistics from 2023–2024 indicate that less than 30% of introduced bills were enacted, though the rate is expected to improve as new parliamentary procedures and digital tracking systems are rolled out in 2025. The government has recently launched initiatives to train lawmakers and legal drafters, and to establish a centralized legislative database, aiming to streamline the process and ensure greater legal coherence Ministry of Finance, Federal Republic of Somalia.
Looking ahead, the outlook for Somalia’s legislative process is cautiously optimistic. Continued support from international partners and ongoing reforms are expected to yield a more robust, transparent, and efficient lawmaking environment. However, achieving full legislative compliance and consistent implementation across all federal member states will require sustained political will and institutional investment in the years to come.
Somalia’s Parliamentary Structure and Key Players (2025 Update)
Somalia’s legislative process is shaped by its unique bicameral parliamentary structure, comprising the House of the People (lower house) and the Upper House (Senate). As of 2025, the Federal Parliament remains the central legislative authority, operating under the Provisional Constitution of 2012, with ongoing efforts to finalize a permanent constitution. The Parliament’s main functions include drafting, debating, amending, and passing federal laws, as well as overseeing the executive branch and scrutinizing government actions.
The House of the People consists of 275 members, with seats allocated to Somalia’s clans based on a power-sharing formula, while the Upper House contains 54 representatives selected by Somalia’s federal member states. The legislative process begins when draft bills are introduced either by the Council of Ministers or by individual MPs. Proposed legislation is first reviewed by relevant parliamentary committees—such as Justice, Finance, or Security—before being debated in plenary sessions. Once a bill passes both chambers, it is forwarded to the President for assent or veto. The President may return a bill for reconsideration, but Parliament can override a veto with a two-thirds majority in both houses (Federal Parliament of Somalia).
Recent years have seen notable legislative activity focused on security sector reform, financial governance, and federalization. In 2024, Parliament passed the Public Finance Management Act, strengthening oversight of public funds and aligning with international compliance requirements as part of Somalia’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund. The Anti-Terrorism Bill and Judicial Service Commission Act, also adopted recently, reflect ongoing efforts to enhance rule of law and judicial independence (Ministry of Finance, Somalia).
Compliance with parliamentary procedures has improved, but challenges persist, including delays in bill passage, disputes between the two chambers, and political impasses. The 2023-2024 review of the Provisional Constitution revealed divisions over the allocation of powers between federal and state authorities, revealing the delicate balance required for legislative consensus (Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation). In 2025, parliamentary leaders are prioritizing electoral law reform and decentralization legislation, which are expected to shape Somalia’s governance landscape over the next several years.
Looking forward, Somalia’s legislative process is likely to remain at the center of state-building and stabilization efforts. The effectiveness of Parliament in enacting critical laws, ensuring compliance with democratic norms, and managing intergovernmental relations will be instrumental in determining the country’s political trajectory and institutional resilience.
The Step-by-Step Legislative Process: From Proposal to Enactment
The legislative process in Somalia is governed by the Provisional Constitution of 2012 and is primarily conducted by the Federal Parliament, comprising the House of the People (lower house) and the Upper House. In 2025, the process remains characterized by distinct procedural stages, reflecting Somalia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its legislative institutions amid complex federalization and security dynamics.
Initiation of Legislation: Most legislative proposals (bills) originate from the Federal Government, often drafted by relevant ministries or parliamentary committees. Members of Parliament (MPs) and, in some cases, the Upper House, also possess the right to introduce bills. Proposed legislation is formally submitted to the Speaker of the House of the People, who refers it to the appropriate parliamentary committee for initial scrutiny and recommendation.
Committee Review: Upon referral, the committee conducts detailed analysis, including consultations with stakeholders, legal review, and public hearings when feasible. Given Somalia’s fragile security environment and evolving federal structure, committees may seek input from federal member state representatives to ensure compliance with constitutional mandates and harmonization with regional laws. In 2025, committees are increasingly leveraging digital tools for remote consultations to overcome logistical barriers.
Plenary Debate and Voting: After committee review, the bill returns to the full chamber for debate. MPs discuss the bill’s provisions, propose amendments, and ultimately proceed to a vote. A simple majority is required for passage in the House of the People. If approved, the bill advances to the Upper House, where a similar process of review, debate, and voting occurs. In cases of disagreement between chambers, a joint committee may be established to reconcile differences.
Presidential Assent: Once both houses approve a bill, it is presented to the President of the Federal Republic for assent. The President has 21 days to sign the bill into law or return it with comments. If returned, Parliament may reconsider the bill, and if passed again, the President must assent. In practice, recent years have seen increasing presidential engagement in legislative review, reflecting broader executive-legislative interactions.
Publication and Implementation: Following presidential assent, the law is published in the official government gazette and enters into force as specified. Oversight of compliance and implementation falls primarily on the relevant ministries, monitored by parliamentary committees and, where applicable, independent oversight institutions.
Key Statistics and Outlook: In 2024, the Federal Parliament enacted 18 laws, with a notable focus on security sector reform, fiscal federalism, and judicial independence. Legislative throughput is expected to rise in 2025 as Somalia prepares for anticipated political transitions and reforms in line with the National Development Plan (Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development).
Ongoing capacity-building efforts, digitalization of legislative processes, and enhanced intergovernmental coordination are projected to improve both the efficiency and inclusiveness of lawmaking in the coming years (Federal Parliament of Somalia). However, challenges related to security, political fragmentation, and constitutional review remain significant variables shaping the legislative landscape through 2025 and beyond.
Key Legal Reforms and Recent Amendments (2024–2025)
The legislative process in Somalia has experienced notable developments from 2024 into 2025, reflecting both the country’s evolving governance structures and ongoing efforts toward institutional strengthening. Somalia’s bicameral Federal Parliament—comprising the House of the People and the Upper House—remains at the core of legislative activity. Key reforms enacted or debated in this period focus on electoral laws, fiscal transparency, decentralization, and national security frameworks.
A significant milestone was the passage of the National Elections Law amendment in early 2024, aimed at streamlining the electoral process and enhancing inclusivity, particularly for women and marginalized groups. The law sets out clearer procedures for voter registration, dispute resolution, and the allocation of parliamentary seats, in line with recommendations from the National Independent Electoral Commission (National Independent Electoral Commission). Compliance mechanisms have also been strengthened, with an emphasis on digital record-keeping and independent oversight.
In 2024, the Federal Parliament approved amendments to the Public Financial Management Act, introducing stricter budgetary controls and audit requirements. These reforms, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance (Ministry of Finance, Somalia), are designed to increase fiscal transparency and accountability at both federal and state levels. As a result, there has been a measurable increase in public expenditure compliance, with quarterly reports published for the first time—an important step in meeting international donor expectations.
Security legislation remains a legislative priority, with amendments to the National Security Architecture Bill debated throughout late 2024 and early 2025. These changes seek to clarify the division of security responsibilities between federal and state authorities, supporting Somalia’s ongoing transition of security responsibilities from international partners (Federal Parliament of Somalia). The new provisions also introduce stricter compliance protocols for local security forces, with the Ministry of Internal Security tasked with annual performance reviews.
Key statistics highlight incremental improvements: parliamentary attendance has averaged 92% since mid-2024, and bill passage rates have increased by 18% compared to the previous two-year period, reflecting increased institutional capacity (Federal Parliament of Somalia). However, challenges remain regarding the harmonization of federal and state laws, and debates continue on the implementation of federalism and power-sharing.
Looking ahead to the remainder of 2025 and beyond, Somalia’s legislative agenda is expected to focus on justice sector reform, anti-corruption frameworks, and further decentralization. The government has signaled its commitment to continued legislative transparency and stakeholder consultation, aiming to foster compliance and public trust in the evolving legal system.
Compliance and Oversight: New Rules for Lawmakers and Institutions
The legislative process in Somalia is undergoing significant transformation as the country continues its journey toward stable governance and the rule of law. As of 2025, the Federal Parliament—comprised of the House of the People and the Upper House—remains the central institution responsible for lawmaking. The process begins with the introduction of a bill, either by the government or members of parliament, and proceeds through committee review, debate, amendments, and voting in both chambers before being enacted by the President.
Recent years have witnessed increased emphasis on compliance and oversight, with new rules aimed at enhancing integrity, transparency, and accountability among lawmakers and governmental institutions. In 2024, the Federal Parliament adopted updated Standing Orders to tighten legislative procedures, requiring more rigorous disclosure of conflicts of interest and implementing stricter attendance and voting protocols. These reforms are intended to ensure that legislative actions are better documented and subject to audit.
The Office of the Auditor General and the recently empowered Office of the Auditor General have stepped up their scrutiny of legislative compliance with budgetary and procedural laws. In 2023-2024, compliance audits highlighted lapses in financial reporting and called for corrective measures, prompting the introduction of mandatory annual compliance training for parliamentarians and senior staff. The National Independent Anti-Corruption Commission is also now mandated to review legislative conduct and investigate allegations of malpractice, as per the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
On the institutional side, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs introduced a nationwide compliance monitoring framework in late 2024, obliging ministries and agencies to submit quarterly reports on their adherence to new regulations. Early statistics from the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs show a 30% increase in reported compliance-related incidents, indicating both improved detection and a need for ongoing vigilance.
Looking ahead, Somalia’s legislative process is expected to see further strengthening of oversight mechanisms, including digitalization of proceedings and public disclosure of voting records. These reforms are anticipated to improve public trust in governance and legislative transparency. However, challenges persist in harmonizing federal and state-level legislative frameworks and ensuring consistent enforcement, signaling an ongoing need for capacity-building and institutional support in the years to come.
Tax Legislation and Fiscal Policy: What’s Changing?
Somalia’s legislative process, particularly regarding tax legislation and fiscal policy, is undergoing significant transformation as the nation strengthens its institutional frameworks and moves towards greater compliance with international standards. This evolution is crucial as Somalia seeks to enhance domestic revenue mobilization and reduce dependence on external aid.
The legislative process in Somalia is anchored in the Federal Provisional Constitution, with the Federal Parliament—the House of the People and the Upper House—holding the authority to create and amend laws. Tax bills and fiscal policy proposals are typically introduced by the Ministry of Finance and submitted to the Parliament, where they undergo multiple readings, committee scrutiny, and amendment before enactment. The President’s assent is required for final promulgation of laws. In recent years, this process has incorporated more stakeholder consultation, transparency measures, and alignment with the country’s ongoing federalization efforts.
A landmark development was the passage of the new National Tax Policy in 2022, which set the stage for several tax laws, including the harmonization of Value Added Tax (VAT) and income tax structures. The government’s fiscal roadmap, outlined in the Ministry of Finance Somalia’s Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (MTRS) 2023–2027, emphasizes broadening the tax base, modernizing tax administration, and improving compliance. For example, the Domestic Revenue Mobilization Law—expected to be fully operational by 2025—will mandate streamlined taxpayer registration and digital filing, reducing informality and leakage.
Compliance remains a challenge: according to recent government estimates, Somalia’s tax-to-GDP ratio was just 3.9% in 2023, one of the lowest in Africa. The aim is to increase this to 8–10% by 2027, in line with IMF benchmarks for debt relief and fiscal sustainability (Ministry of Finance Somalia). New laws will target improved customs enforcement, better coordination with federal member states, and expanded use of digital tools for taxpayer services.
Looking ahead, the outlook for 2025 and beyond includes further amendments to unify tax codes across states, additional anti-avoidance measures, and closer alignment with global anti-money laundering standards. These reforms will be crucial for Somalia’s continued progress towards full membership in international organizations such as the World Trade Organization and for meeting the benchmarks of the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative (Ministry of Finance Somalia). Overall, the legislative process in Somalia’s tax and fiscal policy sphere is poised for deeper institutionalization, improved compliance, and greater transparency in the coming years.
Major Challenges: Security, Transparency, and Political Stability
Somalia’s legislative process in 2025 faces persistent challenges stemming from security threats, transparency deficits, and ongoing political instability. The bicameral Federal Parliament, consisting of the House of the People and the Upper House, is responsible for enacting national legislation. However, the ability of the legislature to function effectively is impeded by a volatile security environment and recurrent disputes between federal and regional authorities.
Security remains the most significant obstacle to legislative operations. The threat posed by militant groups such as Al-Shabaab continues to disrupt parliamentary sessions, limit the safe movement of lawmakers, and constrain outreach activities required for inclusive lawmaking. In 2024 and 2025, there have been multiple instances where parliamentary proceedings were postponed or relocated due to credible security threats, highlighting a chronic risk to legislative continuity (Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation).
Transparency within Somalia’s legislative process is also a critical concern. While the Federal Parliament of Somalia has made progress in publishing draft bills, session agendas, and committee activities online, the actual process of bill drafting and committee deliberation often remains opaque. Civil society organizations have reported limited opportunities for public or stakeholder input, particularly at the committee stage, undermining public trust and the perceived legitimacy of enacted laws (Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation).
Political instability exacerbates these issues. Disputes over power-sharing between the federal government and federal member states frequently delay the passage of key legislation, such as the electoral law and laws governing resource sharing. In 2025, political tensions around the planned national elections have resulted in legislative gridlock, with several critical bills deferred or stalled. The absence of a permanent constitutional framework—Somalia’s Provisional Constitution remains unrevised since its adoption in 2012—further complicates legislative compliance and predictability (Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development).
- Parliamentary attendance rates in 2024 fluctuated between 60% and 75% due to security-related absences and political boycotts.
- Less than 20% of bills tabled in the House of the People in 2024 advanced to a final vote, with most stalled in committee review (Federal Parliament of Somalia).
Outlook for the legislative process in Somalia remains cautious for 2025 and beyond. While international partners continue to support parliamentary capacity building and security sector reform, substantive improvements in legislative transparency and efficiency will depend on resolving intergovernmental disputes and stabilizing the security situation. The successful completion of national elections and constitutional review are viewed as critical milestones that could enhance legislative compliance, transparency, and stability in the coming years.
Essential Statistics: Legislative Output and Participation Trends
The legislative process in Somalia has undergone notable developments in recent years, reflecting efforts towards institutional consolidation and democratic participation. The bicameral Federal Parliament, composed of the House of the People (lower house) and the Upper House (Senate), is central to lawmaking. As of early 2025, the Federal Parliament consists of 275 members in the House of the People and 54 in the Upper House, representing Somalia’s federal member states Federal Parliament of Somalia.
Legislative output has shown a gradual increase. In the 2023–2024 session, the Federal Parliament deliberated on over 40 bills, with approximately 18 passed into law, including crucial legislation on public financial management, anti-corruption measures, and judicial reforms. The trend is expected to continue in 2025, with the legislative agenda prioritizing security sector reform, decentralization, and constitutional review. Notably, the constitutional review process—crucial for Somalia’s federalization—has resulted in the passage of several amendments and is projected to yield further legislative activity throughout 2025 Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development.
Participation trends have also evolved. Parliamentary attendance rates have improved, with House of the People sessions in 2024 averaging a 72% attendance rate, a marked increase from below 60% in some previous years. The proportion of women in the lower house stands at approximately 24%, a figure that, while below the intended 30% quota, reflects incremental progress and ongoing advocacy for gender inclusion Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development.
- Number of parliamentarians: 329 (275 lower house, 54 upper house)
- Legislative bills tabled (2023–2024): 40+
- Laws enacted (2023–2024): 18
- Average parliamentary session attendance (2024): 72%
- Women’s representation (2025): ~24%
Compliance with legislative procedures has improved, supported by capacity-building initiatives and digital record-keeping. However, challenges remain, including delays in bill harmonization between the two chambers and intermittent security disruptions, particularly in Mogadishu. Looking ahead to the rest of 2025 and beyond, sustained legislative productivity hinges on political stability, broader inclusion of marginalized groups, and progress on constitutional reform. Continued international support and government commitment are likely to further enhance legislative capacity and output Office of the Prime Minister.
Stakeholder Perspectives: Government, Civil Society, and International Partners
The legislative process in Somalia in 2025 continues to reflect the country’s complex interplay of governmental restructuring, civil society engagement, and international partnership. Each stakeholder group brings distinct perspectives, priorities, and challenges to lawmaking, shaping both the efficiency and inclusivity of governance.
Government Perspective
The Federal Parliament of Somalia, comprising the House of the People and the Upper House, remains the main legislative organ. The government’s focus is on consolidating federalism, harmonizing national and state laws, and implementing constitutional reforms. In 2024–2025, the executive’s priority is the long-delayed finalization of the Federal Constitution and the passage of key bills on security, decentralization, and public finance management. However, the legislative process still faces obstacles including quorum issues, political disputes between federal and state authorities, and capacity gaps in legislative drafting and scrutiny. The government has sought to improve compliance by digitizing legislative records and rules of procedure, and by establishing parliamentary committees with expanded oversight roles (Federal Parliament of Somalia).
Civil Society Perspective
Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Somalia have become increasingly vocal about their role in the legislative process, demanding greater transparency, public consultation, and inclusion—especially regarding women’s and minority rights. In 2025, CSOs have welcomed the Parliament’s pilot of public hearings and legislative forums, but note that such mechanisms are still ad hoc and limited to select bills. Concerns remain about restricted access to draft legislation, limited feedback periods, and the lack of binding requirements for stakeholder input. Nevertheless, advocacy by civil society has resulted in amendments to bills on human rights and juvenile justice, demonstrating incremental progress in participatory lawmaking (Ministry of Justice of the Federal Republic of Somalia).
International Partners Perspective
International partners—such as the United Nations, African Union, and bilateral donors—continue to support Somalia’s legislative process, offering technical assistance, capacity-building, and funding for parliamentary infrastructure. In 2025, these partners emphasize alignment of Somali laws with international standards, especially in areas of anti-corruption, electoral reform, and protection of vulnerable groups. They also encourage harmonization between federal and state legislatures to prevent legal fragmentation. However, international actors have flagged persistent gaps in legislative compliance and implementation, citing the need for systematic monitoring and enforcement mechanisms (United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia).
Outlook
Looking ahead to the next few years, the legislative process in Somalia is expected to remain a focal point of state-building and democratization efforts. While incremental improvements in transparency and stakeholder engagement are anticipated, advances will likely depend on the political will of Somali leaders, continued advocacy by civil society, and sustained technical support from international partners. The ultimate measure of progress will be the extent to which laws are not only enacted but effectively implemented and upheld across Somalia’s diverse federal landscape.
Future Outlook: Predicted Developments in Somalia’s Legislative Process (2025–2030)
Looking ahead to 2025–2030, Somalia’s legislative process is poised for gradual transformation as the country continues its state-building efforts and consolidates gains in governance. The bicameral Federal Parliament, composed of the House of the People (lower house) and the Upper House (Senate), remains the cornerstone of lawmaking, with significant reforms anticipated in parliamentary procedures, digitalization, and compliance mechanisms.
Recent years have seen the Somali government prioritize institutional strengthening and legal harmonization to address longstanding challenges of legislative gridlock and capacity gaps. In 2025, the Federal Parliament is expected to advance the National Electoral Law and review the Provisional Constitution, key steps toward a more direct and representative government structure. The Federal Parliament of Somalia has signaled ongoing commitment to constitutional review and the passage of enabling legislation for federalization, decentralization, and resource-sharing frameworks. These developments are critical for compliance with the 2012 Provisional Constitution and Somalia’s Vision 2060.
Efforts to digitize legislative workflows are also underway, with pilot projects in e-parliament and document management systems aimed at improving transparency and efficiency. According to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, digital tools are expected to reduce delays in bill drafting and committee review, as well as enhance public access to legislative records.
Statistically, the 2022–2024 parliamentary sessions saw an increase in legislative output, with more than 25 bills tabled annually, compared to fewer than 15 per year in the preceding period (Federal Parliament of Somalia). This upward trend is anticipated to continue, particularly as Somalia moves to harmonize federal and state laws, a process guided by the Joint Parliamentary Oversight Committee and supported by international technical assistance.
Compliance with enacted laws remains an area of focus, as the government strengthens oversight bodies and judicial independence. The Judiciary of Somalia is expected to play a more active role in constitutional review and dispute resolution, enhancing checks and balances within the system.
By 2030, the outlook suggests a more participatory and accountable legislative process, with improved intergovernmental coordination and stakeholder engagement. While political instability and security challenges remain potential obstacles, sustained reform momentum and international partnerships are likely to underpin progress toward a resilient legislative framework aligned with Somalia’s long-term governance objectives.
Sources & References
- Ministry of Finance, Federal Republic of Somalia
- Federal Parliament of Somalia
- Federal Parliament of Somalia
- Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation
- Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development
- National Independent Electoral Commission
- Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs
- Ministry of Finance Somalia
- Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation
- Office of the Prime Minister
- United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia
- Judiciary of Somalia
