MOGADISHU (SONNA) – The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hassan Moalim Mohamud, has affirmed that the newly approved Somali Penal Code represents a decisive shift towards a legal framework deeply anchored in Islamic principles and the nation’s cultural heritage.
Speaking as a guest at the National Media Week forum in Mogadishu, the Minister provided a detailed briefing on the legislation, which was recently endorsed by the Council of Ministers. He described the new code as a necessary modernization of the country’s justice system, designed to serve the specific needs of the Somali people.
Minister Hassan Moalim emphasized that unlike previous legal frameworks, this new code is the product of Somali legal experts. The drafting process focused on creating laws that are attuned to the current social realities of the country while maintaining compatibility with international legal standards.
“This code was developed by Somali experts to ensure it resonates with our society,” the Minister stated. He noted that the legislation is designed to replace the antiquated Penal Code that has been in force for over sixty years, a relic that no longer adequately addresses the complexities of modern crime and justice.
A central feature of the new Penal Code is its strict adherence to religious and cultural values. The Minister clarified that the laws are founded upon the teachings of the Islamic religion and Somali customary practices. Additionally, the code has been harmonized with the legal standards of the Arab League, ensuring that Somalia’s judicial system is consistent with its regional partners.
The Minister outlined the primary objectives of the reform: to reduce the prevalence of crime within communities and to safeguard the fundamental rights of all citizens. By updating the definitions of offenses and punishments, the government aims to create a more just environment that deters criminal activity while protecting the vulnerable.
This legal overhaul marks a major step in the Federal Government’s agenda to institutionalize a justice system that is both effective and reflective of the nation’s identity.
