The Council of Ministers has made a new decision regarding the implementation of the new constitution

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – The Council of Ministers of Somalia approved a new resolution last night aimed at accelerating the implementation of the country's Constitution, which stipulates that government agencies align their work with constitutional provisions, while also preparing a law defining the number of ministries and their responsibilities.

This decision was reached during an extraordinary meeting chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, during which the council appointed a ministerial-level committee and a technical committee to coordinate activities related to the implementation of the Constitution.

The resolution, which consists of five articles and is detailed in a two-page document issued by the Office of the Prime Minister, instructs government agencies to take necessary steps for the implementation of constitutional provisions that do not require prior laws to be established.

According to the resolution, this step aims to avoid delays and legal gaps arising from the implementation of the Constitution, while establishing a unified framework guiding government agencies in fulfilling their responsibilities.

The new committee and the government's law

The Council of Ministers has appointed a ministerial-level committee to lead the acceleration, coordination, and scheduling of the activities for the implementation of the Constitution, while also monitoring the plans being executed by government agencies.

This committee is chaired by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and includes the ministers of Internal Affairs, Federalism and Reconciliation, Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Finance, Education, Information, Culture, and Tourism.

The fourth article of the resolution states that a draft law for the regulation of the government should be prepared within a maximum of two months, which defines the number of ministries and their respective responsibilities.

The Prime Minister's Office has stated that this law will be the first of its kind in the country since 1968, which means that the government aims to establish a new legal framework for the structure and functions of the ministries.

However, the resolution did not disclose any specific number regarding the reduction or increase of ministries, as this matter will be part of the draft law being prepared.

Additionally, the Council of Ministers has instructed the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and other relevant agencies to share with the public the process of implementing the Constitution and the steps taken for its realization.

Implementation of the constitution and political conflict

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, speaking at the meeting, stated that the new Constitution has come into effect, and its implementation will go through various phases to align with the governance system and government institutions.

He also mentioned that the government is working towards holding federal-level elections based on the one-person, one-vote system next year.

This decision comes as the deadline of October 14 approaches, which marks the six-month period allocated for the implementation of the constitutional provisions that separate the roles of ministers and parliamentarians.

The Independent Commission for Constitutional Review and Implementation stated last week that government members who are also members of parliament are expected to choose between the two positions when the transitional period ends.

The new resolution of the Council of Ministers did not specifically address the actions to be taken regarding the members concerned when October 14 arrives.

The new constitution was approved by the Federal Parliament on March 4, 2026, and was signed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud four days later, concluding a constitutional review process that had lasted for more than ten years.

However, the amendment of the Constitution remains a focal point of political conflict between the federal government and some opposition parties, including Puntland and Jubbaland, who oppose the process and the changes made to the terms of federal institutions.