The new law formally approves the Council of Ministers and the government's program of work.
Somalia has enacted Law No. 7, approving the members of the Council of Ministers and the government's program. The law gives formal legal recognition to the cabinet and the policy program it presented to Parliament.
The Act was enacted as part of the normal process of forming a government. Its purpose is to confirm, through Parliament, the ministers who will lead the executive and the program they intend to carry out.
Law No. 7, the Law on the Approval of Council of Ministers Members and Government Program was enacted and entered into force on March 10, 2015.
A functioning government depends on a cabinet that has been properly approved and a program that Parliament has endorsed. This law completed that step in Somalia's governance process.
The law formally approves the members of the Council of Ministers nominated to lead the executive branch, giving them the legal authority to take up their offices.
It also approves the government's program of work, the policy agenda that the executive presented to Parliament for endorsement.
By securing parliamentary approval for both the cabinet and its program, the law reflects the constitutional relationship between the executive and the legislature.
The law provides that it takes effect on signature and is published in the Official Gazette, ensuring that the formation of the government is recorded transparently and is publicly known.
This law is important because it gives legal certainty to the formation of the government. Parliamentary approval of the cabinet and its program reflects accountable, constitutional governance and gives ministers a clear mandate to act. A properly constituted government provides the stability that citizens, businesses, and partners rely on.
“Stable governance begins with a cabinet and a program that carry the endorsement of Parliament. This law records that endorsement and gives the government a clear mandate to act. Respecting these constitutional processes is part of building the predictable institutions on which development depends.”
, Hawa A. Wehelie, JD (Juris Doctor), MBA (Master of Business Administration)
Managing Partner at Mogadishu Law Office
This release is provided for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Professional legal advice should be obtained before acting on any matter discussed here.