Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised the bicameral federal Parliament for approving the first four chapters of the Constitution after several weeks of heated debates.
In a press statement released on Saturday, President Mohamud emphasized that the amended Constitution is grounded in Islamic Sharia and Somali culture, highlighting the importance of the Somali government in finalizing the Constitution.
“Today marks a significant day for state-building in Somalia. Completing the Constitution is a major milestone for the country’s democracy, independence, and sovereignty. I urge members of Parliament to continue reviewing, amending, and finalizing the remaining chapters of the Constitution,” President Mohamud stated.
On Saturday, the Parliament unanimously approved proposals to overhaul the country’s electoral system and reintroduce universal suffrage, a plan that has been criticized by some prominent politicians.
However, Puntland’s regional administration announced its withdrawal of recognition of the Federal Government of Somalia, citing the constitutional amendments as a violation of the federal pact that has historically unified the country.
Somalia’s 2012 provisional constitution has been under review for nearly a decade, but efforts to finalize the review have picked up since late 2023. In February, the Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission sent Parliament suggested amendments to the provisional Constitution’s first four chapters, which include articles on the age of majority and the criminalization of female genital mutilation.
