Somalia’s Parliament approves official Constitution; diplomacy, reforms press ahead

Mar 5, 2026 — Parliament adopts constitution; economy, security, labour updates

Top story

• Parliament ratifies the official Constitution. In a joint session of the two Houses, lawmakers approved the finalized Constitution by 223 votes in favour (186 from the House of the People and 37 Senators), declaring the document to enter into force nationwide. (See full vote details below.)
• Why it matters: The approval ends the provisional constitutional era and, according to government ministries, launches an immediate phase of implementation intended to clarify power distribution and strengthen institutions.
• Sources: Primary: Somalia’s Federal Parliament approves official Constitution (SONNA); Also from: Ministry of Justice welcomes adoption (SONNA), Ministry of Interior statement on implementation (SONNA).

What else happened

Governance & Diplomacy

• Cabinet ratifies international agreements and policies. The Council of Ministers approved several international accords — including a Pakistan visa-exemption MoU for diplomatic passport holders, a health partnership with Russia, political consultation protocols with Spain, and ratification of IAEA safeguards and UN conventions — and adopted a Unified Performance Management Policy. (SONNA)
• Federal Cabinet promotes two senior officials to Ambassadors. The Council of Ministers elevated H.E. Adan Isaaq Ali and H.E. Abdifatah Sh. Ahmed Abdimanaan to ambassadorial rank to strengthen Somalia’s diplomatic corps. (SONNA; also: SONNA)

Regional & Economic

• Somalia pushes regional integration at the EAC Council meeting. Ambassador Ilyas Ali Hassan represented Somalia at the 59th Extraordinary EAC Council of Ministers in Arusha to advance cross-border integration and harmonization of regulations. (SONNA)
• First US–Somalia trade and investment talks held in Mogadishu. High-level delegations met to discuss expanding bilateral trade and investment—focusing on commerce and the energy sector—and agreed to form joint technical committees to follow up. (SONNA)
• Sweden reaffirms support for state-building and climate resilience. Sweden’s ambassador highlighted continued development cooperation, backing for UNDP initiatives, and support for Somalia’s National Transformation Plan. (SONNA / UNDP source cited)

Security & Rule of Law

• Defense minister and UN envoy align on rights and security compliance. Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and UN Special Representative James Swan discussed child protection in conflict zones and full compliance with the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP). (SONNA)
• Cabinet reviewed recent Somali National Army territorial gains and drought response coordination. The Cabinet session also emphasized accelerating military offensives and directing relief to vulnerable populations. (SONNA)

Labour & Social

• New Labour Code goes into effect after 52 years; nationwide education campaign launched. FESTU, supported by UN agencies, ran training and outreach so workers can claim rights under the updated law; materials and broadcast campaigns reached millions. (SONNA / FESTU)

On the ground

• Workers trained: FESTU’s Labour Rights Education Programme trained 218 workers across several cities—98 women and 120 men—with youth and disability-inclusive sessions included. (SONNA)
• Persons with disabilities: 53 people with disabilities participated in dedicated training on non-discrimination, accommodation and complaint mechanisms—part of the first such tailored sessions. (SONNA)
• Parliamentary turnout: The joint constitutional vote was held in a session chaired by the Speaker, with 223 lawmakers recorded as voting in favour—an immediate, visible parliamentary milestone. (SONNA)

Watchlist

• Constitution implementation steps. Follow announcements from the Ministry of Interior and others on how and when constitutional provisions will be operationalized at federal and local levels. (SONNA)
• HRDDP compliance and international assistance. Monitor outcomes of the defense–UN discussions and any HRDDP-related measures that could affect military cooperation or external support. (SONNA)
• Follow-up from US trade talks. Track the joint technical committees created to advance investment in energy, minerals and commercial reforms. (SONNA)
• EAC integration steps. Watch for concrete measures from the EAC Council of Ministers meeting on regulatory harmonization and cross-border trade facilitation. (SONNA)

Sources: Somali National News Agency (SONNA)

Compiled from public reporting; links above.