MOGADISHU, Somalia — Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday formally signed the new Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, marking a major milestone in the country’s long-running constitutional reform process.
The signing ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu and attended by senior government officials and parliamentary leaders.
Among those present were:
- Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur, Speaker of the House of the People
- Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, Speaker of the Upper House
Members of parliamentary committees responsible for reviewing the constitution also attended the event.
End of a long constitutional review
The new constitution replaces the provisional framework adopted in 2012, which has guided Somalia’s governance system for more than a decade.
The updated document was recently approved by both chambers of the Federal Parliament of Somalia.
“Today marks the conclusion of the long journey of reviewing the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, which was temporary and has now been recently approved by the Federal Parliament,” President Hassan Sheikh said.
“From this day forward, its implementation will begin.”
Key reforms introduced
The constitution introduces several significant political reforms.
One key change extends the presidential term from four years to five years.
It also establishes a direct voting system for members of parliament, allowing Somali citizens to elect lawmakers directly.
Currently, parliamentary seats are largely determined through indirect elections involving clan delegates and political leaders.
However, the president will continue to be elected by parliament rather than through a nationwide popular vote.
Balancing executive and parliamentary power
The constitution also clarifies the relationship between the president, prime minister, and legislature.
Under the new framework:
- The president appoints the prime minister
- Parliament retains the power to remove the prime minister through legislative procedures
Officials say the changes aim to reduce political disputes between branches of government and strengthen institutional stability.
Strengthening governance and accountability
Beyond political structures, the constitution outlines the roles and responsibilities of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
It also introduces mechanisms designed to:
- Strengthen oversight
- Prevent abuse of public authority
- Promote transparency and the rule of law
The review process involved years of consultations between legal experts, parliamentary committees, and political leaders.
With the constitution now formally signed, the Somali government says it will focus on implementing reforms aimed at improving governance, elections, and institutional accountability.
