Somali Cabinet of Ministers Approves Family Law as Part of Broader Legislative Reforms

Mogadishu, Thursday, 18 December 2025, The Somali Cabinet of Ministers today held its regular weekly meeting, during which it discussed national electoral developments, with particular focus on the upcoming local council elections scheduled to take place this month in the capital, Mogadishu. The Cabinet also approved several key laws and regulations of national importance.

The Cabinet received a briefing from the Ministry of Interior Federal Affairs and Reconciliation on the local council elections in Mogadishu. The Ministry outlined the level of preparedness including security arrangements for polling stations and the number of citizens who have obtained voter cards and are ready to participate in the electoral process.

The Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre, commended ministers for their strong engagement with the public and emphasized the importance of strengthening interaction between the government and citizens. He also praised their efforts to actively contribute to the electoral awareness and campaign process.

The meeting chaired by the Prime Minister approved amendments to the Central Bank of Somalia Law aimed at strengthening the national financial system and enhancing transparency across economic institutions. The Cabinet also endorsed the Somali Seafarer’s Book Regulation and the National Defence Bill, which seeks to strengthen the capacity and mandate of the country’s security institutions.

Furthermore, the Cabinet held extensive deliberations and approved the Children’s Rights Bill and the Family Affairs Bill. Both legislations aim to promote family welfare, protect children’s rights, and establish a comprehensive legal framework. These bills have completed all legislative procedures, including consultations with religious scholars. Officials from the Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Constitution provided detailed briefings on the drafting and review processes.

The two bills were approved with instructions to the relevant ministries to revise specific terminologies where necessary.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the policy and legal framework of the National Education Development Fund (NEDF), which aims to improve the quality of education nationwide by ensuring sustainable financing mechanisms to support Somali students.