Somalia Brief

Jan 22, 2026 — Major legal reform, regional ties, and service expansion

Top story

• Somalia submits new Criminal Code to parliament. The Justice Minister, H.E. Hassan Moallim, presented a modern Somali Criminal Code to the House of the People after Cabinet approval, saying Law No. 5 of 1962 no longer reflects current realities and answering lawmakers’ questions at first reading. (SONNA)Why it matters: Parliament’s review could overhaul Somalia’s justice framework for the first time in over 60 years, affecting prosecutions, rights and institutional practice.
• East African Court clears way for Somalia’s EALA swearing-in. Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed a Jan 19 East African Court of Appeal decision that overturned earlier rulings which had blocked the swearing-in of nine Somali MPs elected to the East African Legislative Assembly. (SONNA)Why it matters: The decision restores Somalia’s representation in EAC organs, a step toward deeper regional engagement on trade, mobility and stability.
• Minister of Interior leads high-level Somali delegation to Pakistan. Hon. Ali Yusuf Ali (Hosh) arrived in Islamabad with senior officials — including the NIEC chair, NIRA director and SoDMA commissioner — for talks on ID systems, electoral processes, disaster management and institutional capacity. (SONNA; also from: SONNA)Why it matters: The visit targets practical support for civil registration, electoral administration and disaster response that could affect upcoming governance processes.
• NIRA opens new service centre at Somali Embassy in Pretoria. The National Identification and Registration Authority inaugurated a National ID registration centre at Somalia’s embassy in South Africa; Ambassador Mohamed Sheikh Isaq officiated and called for efficient services for diaspora citizens. (SONNA)Why it matters: Providing ID services abroad streamlines access to national documentation for Somalis in the region and supports the government’s identity-system rollout.

What else happened

• Diplomacy: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud phoned South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss boosting cooperation on peace, trade and regional stability. (SONNA)
• Diplomacy: President Mohamud called Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni to congratulate him on re-election and reaffirmed closer bilateral cooperation on security and regional stability. (SONNA)
• Infrastructure & economy: The Transport Ministry held strategic talks with the New Mogadishu Development Company on aviation, electricity and New Mogadishu International Airport components and potential partnerships. (SONNA)
• Media & culture: Information Minister Daud Aweis Jama extended congratulations on Somali Media Day, highlighting journalism’s role and urging stronger ethics and protection for journalists. (SONNA)
• Tourism: The Information Minister met Somalia Tourism Association members to discuss steps for developing tourism as a driver of jobs and national image. (SONNA)

On the ground

• At the Pretoria inauguration Somali diaspora attendees and embassy staff welcomed the new NIRA service centre as easing access to National ID services for Somalis in Southern Africa. (SONNA)
• Photos and coverage show the Pakistani reception for the Somali delegation, with government officials and Somalia’s ambassador receiving the minister on arrival. (SONNA)
• Officials marking Somali Media Day emphasised journalists’ role in public awareness and called for improved safety and professionalism in the press. (SONNA)

Watchlist

• Parliament’s further reviews and votes on the submitted Criminal Code — look for committee reports, amendments or a second reading schedule. (See Criminal Code submission: SONNA)
• Formal swearing-in of Somalia’s EALA representatives and any follow-up from the East African Court ruling. (SONNA)
• Outcomes from Somalia–Pakistan meetings: any announced technical assistance or memoranda on national ID, electoral systems or disaster management. (SONNA; SONNA)
• Progress on New Mogadishu International Airport plans and public-private cooperation agreements with NMDC. (SONNA)

Sources: Somali National News Agency (SONNA)

Compiled from public reporting; links above.