In a two-week event organized by the Ministry of Constitutional Affairs of the Federal Government of Somalia, Somali diaspora communities in Nairobi, Kenya, actively engaged in consultations regarding potential amendments to Articles 5-9 of the draft constitution. The consultations, which involved youth and women representatives, aimed to ensure the inclusion of the diaspora’s perspectives in the critical constitutional review process.
The constitutional review committees, comprising both independent and parliamentary bodies, are exploring avenues to grant the Somali diaspora opportunities to participate in the amendment discussions for Articles 5-9. During the consultative meetings, participants raised questions and sought clarifications from the Ministry officials regarding the proposed changes.
Speaking at the event, one participant inquired about the rationale behind amending Articles 5-9, prompting responses from representatives of both the independent and parliamentary constitutional review committees, as well as officials from the Ministry of Constitutional Affairs.
“The youth have expressed their views clearly,” said one attendee. “We want to incorporate everyone’s perspectives into the constitution. Whether it’s someone from Puntland, Galmudug, or Baidoa, their opinions on issues like dual citizenship, birth registration, and the potential absence of MPs during parliamentary sessions should all be considered. The committees will compile and present these diverse viewpoints.”
Emphasizing the urgency of establishing a comprehensive and enforceable constitution, another participant stated, “Our nation cannot function without laws that are effectively implemented. It is imperative that we develop a constitution that is viable, inclusive, and reflective of our nation’s needs. We must create an environment that encourages the return of our skilled diaspora, facilitating their contributions to Somalia’s economic and intellectual growth.”
The Somali diaspora, estimated to number in the millions, has become an indispensable stakeholder in the constitutional review process. Some participants noted that even Somalis residing in neighboring countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti are considered part of the diaspora, as they live outside their homeland.
Abdulqadir Abdi Dini, the chairman of the Somali community in Kenya, expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided to the diaspora to contribute their perspectives. “The Somali diaspora is the only community where Somalis can truly engage with the Somali government,” he said. “We deeply appreciate the respectful and dignified manner in which our input has been sought. We hope that Somalia will have an independent and free constitution, and we extend our sincere thanks to the Federal Government of Somalia, the Ministry of Justice, and the parliamentary committee delegation led by Senator Hassan Hussein Hajji.”
Senator Hajji, a member of the parliamentary constitutional review committee, assured attendees that their recommendations would be presented to the Somali Parliament for consideration. “You represent the future leaders of Somalia, with youth accounting for over 70% of the population, whether residing within the country or abroad. Your input is invaluable, and the forms you have submitted will be forwarded to the relevant committees,” he stated.
Hajji further noted that while the initial draft has been completed, additional amendments could be incorporated as the review process progresses. “The independent committee’s recommendations will soon be submitted to the parliamentary committee, which will then be debated in both houses of parliament before requiring a two-thirds majority vote for approval,” he explained.
As the constitutional review process continues, there is hope that the current political situation will be resolved through cooperation between the federal government and regional states, addressing any potential legal conflicts and paving the way for Somalia’s progress, development, and the safe return of displaced communities.
The consultations in Nairobi exemplify the inclusive approach taken by Somali authorities, ensuring that the voices of the diaspora are heard and considered in shaping the nation’s future constitutional framework.
