On Saturday, Somalia enacted significant revisions to its constitution, granting the president the authority to appoint and dismiss the prime minister. This decision, ratified by a substantial majority of parliament, comes after extensive deliberations within the federal assembly in Mogadishu.
Proposed by the Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission (ICRIC), the amendments underwent rigorous examination. Hussein Idow, chairperson of the Constitutional Review Committee, announced that three draft provisions related to religion would undergo further scrutiny to ensure alignment with Somali principles and values.
These amendments, which have been under review for nearly a decade, gained momentum in late 2023. They aim to resolve longstanding disputes in Somali politics, particularly power struggles between presidents and prime ministers, often exacerbated by constitutional ambiguities.
One significant change establishes a president-appointed prime minister, replacing the previous requirement for parliamentary confidence votes. This adjustment aims to provide greater flexibility in governance, addressing tensions stemming from power and resource distribution among clans and regions.
Moreover, the amended constitution introduces a five-year term for government bodies, designates regional state leaders as presidents, and advocates for a multi-party system.
Nevertheless, some political figures, including former presidents and state leaders, oppose these changes, citing concerns about insufficient consensus.
In February, the ICRIC proposed amendments covering various topics, such as the age of maturity for girls and the criminalization of female genital mutilation. While the approved amendments set the age of maturity at 15 and the age of responsibility at 18, rights groups caution that this may heighten the risks of child marriage, particularly for girls.
Human Rights Watch calls on Somalia to uphold constitutional protections for children, stressing the importance of fulfilling international human rights commitments.
