Somalia’s federal parliament has formally adopted the nation’s long-awaited Official Constitution, concluding a comprehensive review of the entire provisional charter that has governed the country since 2012. The approval, achieved in a joint session of the House of the People and the Upper House, marks a critical step in the Horn of Africa nation’s two-decade-long state-building project.
In the session chaired by Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur, the revised constitution was endorsed by an overwhelming majority. A total of 223 lawmakers voted in favour, comprising 186 members of the lower house and 37 senators. “The Official Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia has been legally adopted and will now take effect across the country,” the Speaker announced following the vote.
The adoption culminates a sweeping amendment process that addressed all 13 chapters of the provisional document. The review focused on clarifying the division of powers between the federal government in Mogadishu and its member states, a core requirement for Somalia’s federal system of governance. Lawmakers and officials described the move as essential for moving beyond the temporary framework that has guided national politics since the collapse of central authority in 1991.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament Ali Mohamed Omar stated that the revised charter represents “major progress in strengthening democratic institutions, clarifying the federal system, and moving the country beyond the long-standing provisional framework.” The new constitution is intended to provide a stable legal foundation for elections, enhance institutional accountability, and help resolve persistent political tensions between Mogadishu and regional authorities.
This constitutional adoption is a prerequisite for Somalia’s next electoral cycle and is widely supported by international partners as a benchmark for continued engagement. The document now requires formal publication and will be subject to a national referendum for final ratification, as stipulated in the transition plan. Its successful implementation is seen as fundamental to advancing political stabilization, attracting investment, and consolidating the federal structure after years of conflict and fragile governance.
The milestone arrives amid ongoing security challenges and preparations for a one-person-one-vote election, a goal repeatedly delayed. By establishing a permanent constitutional order, Somalia aims to foster greater political inclusion, define jurisdictional boundaries clearly, and build public trust in state institutions. The next phase will involve detailed legislation to align existing laws with the new charter and civic education to inform the public ahead of the referendum.
