The awaited Civil Society Summit 2025 has officially commenced in Mogadishu. Leaders from CSOs, government, UN agencies, donors and the private sector are convening to strengthen collaboration, amplify community voices & enhance impact across the humanitarian Development & Peace nexus. #CivilSocietySummit2025 #CSOs #CSSummit2025 #HDPnexus

During the first reading of the Bill Prohibiting Female Genital Mutilation #FGM, presented by Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzumi @KhadijaMakhzumi, Minister of Family and Human Rights Development of the Federal Government of #Somalia @mfhrdso, Civil Society Observers were present in the plenary hall to witness the proceedings as part of their daily duty of monitoring parliamentary sittings through the @GoleKaab Parliamentary Monitoring Initiative. Assalamu Alaikum It is an honour to present to the House of the People @Golaha_shac_JFS today the Bill Prohibiting Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This bill provides a legal response to the need to protect Somali girls and women, safeguarding their dignity, well-being, and fundamental rights. Honourable Speaker, @Amohamednur, distinguished Members of Parliament, Female genital mutilation is not an issue limited to an individual or a single family. It is an act that can cause physical and psychological harm, lead to long-term health complications, and, in some cases, endanger lives. Therefore, we have a national responsibility to establish a legal framework that prevents these acts, protects individual rights, and ensures that survivors have access to justice. This bill is consistent with the principles of Islamic Sharia and the Constitution of the country. It prohibits all acts of female genital mutilation or injury to the female genital organs, where there is no legally recognised medical justification. It also clearly defines the prohibited acts, the parties who bear responsibility, and the medical circumstances permitted by law. The bill establishes liability for the person who carries out the act, anyone who assists or encourages it, anyone who allows premises to be used for the act, and any responsible person who authorises it or fails to fulfil their duties. To ensure that protection is effective, the bill makes reporting mandatory when such an act is suspected or being committed. It also empowers courts to issue protection orders. Honourable Speaker, and distinguished Members of Parliament. The purpose of this bill is prevention, protection, and justice. A harmful practice cannot be protected through silence. Our responsibility is to build an environment for today's and tomorrow's generations in which Somali girls can grow up with their bodies, dignity, and futures protected. Therefore, I respectfully urge the honourable Members of the House of the People to give this bill thorough consideration and fulfil their constitutional responsibilities. Thank you. Wa Billahi Tawfiq.

#Mogadishu, 19 October 2026 Members of Civil Society Observers from @SONSA_NSA, through the @GoleKaab Parliamentary Monitoring Initiative, observed the 26th sitting of the 8th Plenary Session of the House of the People of the 11th Federal Parliament of #Somalia. The session was chaired by Speaker of the House of the People @Golaha_shac_JFS, H.E. Hon. Abdukadir Mohamed Nur @Amohamednur, alongside the Second Deputy Speaker, H.E. Hon. Abdullahi Omar Abshir. The sitting proceeded with a quorum of 143 MPs. Before the session officially commenced, the Second Deputy Speaker addressed the issue of quorum, indicating that an additional hour would be allowed for the required quorum to be reached. Key Agenda Items and Proceedings: 1. Completion of the First Reading of the 1988 UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Members of Parliament continued and completed the First Reading of the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, submitted by the Ministry of Health & Human Services @MoH_Somalia Five MPs participated in the discussion, raising questions about the Convention to the @MoH_Somalia, Dr. Ali Haji Aden @DrAliHajiadam, who responded to the questions raised by the members. 2. Third Reading Report on #Somalia–#Türkiye Agreements on International Judicial Cooperation The Chairperson of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, MP Mohamed Jama Mursal (Geelle), presented the report on the agreements between Somalia and Türkiye concerning international judicial cooperation. Following the presentation, three MPs raised questions regarding the report. 3. Third Reading Report on the Proposed Amendment to the Central Bank of Somalia Law No. 130 of April 2012 @CentralBankSo and meaning while MP Mohamed Harun Abdullahi, Deputy Chairperson of the House of the People’s Committee on Budget, Finance, Planning, International Cooperation and Financial Oversight of Public Institutions, presented the Third Reading report on the proposed amendments to the Central Bank of Somalia Law No. 130, enacted in April 2012. The Speaker concluded the session by thanking MPs for their participation, Insights, & for fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities. #GoleKaab #SONSA #Somalia #ParliamentaryMonitoring #Accountability #Transparency #CivicEngagement

Remarks by the SG. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdulle @A_jaabir19 Secretary General of the House of the People of the Federal Parliament of #Somalia @Golaha_shac_JFS during his speech of the Enhancing The Capacity Of The House Of The People In Parliament Investigations, Oversight, and Accountability facilitated by the @SONSA_NSA and conducted by the experts of the @MzalendoWatch . First of all, I would like to appreciate our MPs and the chairs of both the Committee on Budget, Finance, Planning, International Cooperation and Financial Oversight of Public Institutions, the Social Service Committee and the Committee on Transport, Public Works and Energy Committee. As I said, the @GoleKaab project initially started through an initiative by civil society groups led @SONSA_NSA, which communicated with the leadership of the House of the People at that time. We agreed to facilitate their engagement. Eventually, the objective of that project was to establish a connection between the two. Since the House of the People of the Somali Parliament represents the community and the wider Somali population, we agreed that civil society should lead this programme to make sure that our service delivery and engagement are very clear, understandable, and communicable. For that reason, we agreed to provide them with what we call a Memorandum of Understanding MoU between the @Golaha_shac_JFS and @SONSA_NSA, which eventually led to the @GoleKaab project. We appreciate our colleagues from @MzalendoWatch, @NIMDSomalia, and the Somalia Non-State Actors @SONSA_NSA. As I said, we are gathered here today to come up with the final communiqué from these three days what we'll benefits it, which will lead to some of the practical things we are doing. Finally, I would also like to thank everyone who participated and those who organised the event. I wish our three-day seminar every success. #SomaliCivilSociety #Observers #CSOs #Parliamentary

The @SONSA_NSA today facilitated a training programme in #Mogadishu aimed at strengthening the capacity of Federal Parliament, committee members and staff in parliamentary inquiries & investigations. The opening day focused on the history and mandate of Parliament, the role of parliamentary committees in public finance scrutiny, and the importance of effective oversight and accountability. MP’s also divided engaged in group work to analyse Somalia’s parliamentary oversight processes and procedures. The training is designed to strengthen the practical skills of members and staff of the Public Accounts, Budget, and Social Affairs Committees in conducting inquiries and investigations, promoting transparency, and holding public institutions accountable. The activity is designed by Mzalendo trust @MzalendoWatch, led by @NIMDSomalia facilitated by @SONSA_NSA & funded @EU_in_Somalia The initiative seeks to strengthen parliamentary oversight and accountability while promoting effective public participation in #Somalia’s democratic processes. @Golaha_shac_JFS @AqalkaSare

#Mogadishu, 17 October 2026: Members of Civil Society Observers from @SONSA_NSA, through the @GoleKaab Parliamentary Monitoring Initiative, monitored the 25th sitting of the 8th Plenary Session of the House of the People of the 11th Federal Parliament of #Somalia. The session was chaired by the Speaker of the House of the People, H.E. Hon. Abdukadir Mohamed Nur @Amohamednur, accompanied by the Second Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abdulahi Omar Abshir. Before opening the session, the Speaker addressed MPs and emphasised the importance of punctuality and respecting parliamentary working hours. He stressed that it was unacceptable for MPs to arrive at different times and urged all members to observe the scheduled time for parliamentary sittings and meaning while the quorum was opened by 148 Mp’s. Key Agenda; 1. Draft Law Prohibiting Female Genital Mutilation (#FGM) The Minister of Family and Human Rights Development of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi (@KhadijaMakhzumi), presented the Draft Law Prohibiting Female Genital Mutilation to the House of the People. She explained that the first reading focused on the general principles of the proposed legislation, while the second reading would allow MPs to debate its provisions, provide detailed comments, and share their views. A total of 17 MPs participated in the debate. Their contributions and views on the draft law will be documented in the parliamentary monitoring report. At the close of the session, the Speaker confirmed that the draft law had completed its first-reading stage and instructed the Secretary-General of the House of the People to refer it to the relevant parliamentary committees to prepare the second-reading materials and return them to the House for further consideration. 2. United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances The House also conducted the first reading of the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. The Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Haji Aden (@DrAliHajiadam), presented the first-reading report on the convention to the MPs. Due to time constraints, the Speaker announced that the debate would continue at the next sitting. At the close of the session, he confirmed that the convention had completed its first-reading stage and instructed the Secretary-General to refer it to the relevant parliamentary committees to prepare the second-reading materials for submission to the House. 3. Distribution of Third-Reading Reports In addition, MPs were provided with the third-reading reports on the proposed amendment to the @CentralBankSo Central Bank of Somalia Law No. 130, enacted in April 2012, and the agreements between Somalia and Türkiye concerning international judicial cooperation. Attendance and Accountability During the sitting, the names of MPs who were absent were called out, including those who attended in the morning but left during the afternoon without official authorisation. At the close of the session, the Speaker reiterated the importance of punctuality, urging MPs to attend parliamentary sittings on time and remain present throughout the proceedings. He also reminded members that accountability measures concerning attendance remain in effect. The sitting highlighted the importance of parliamentary discipline, attendance, and accountability in strengthening transparency and public oversight of Somalia’s Federal Parliament. #GoleKaab #SONSA #Somalia #ParliamentaryMonitoring #Accountability #Transparency #CivicEngagement

Somali Civil Society @SONSA_NSA Calls for Dialogue and Consensus to Resolve #Somalia’s Electoral Disputes. sonsaplatform.org/somali-civ…

Somali Civil Society @SONSA_NSA Calls for Dialogue and Consensus to Resolve #Somalia’s Electoral Disputes #Mogadishu, 17 October 2026, The Somali Civil Society @SONSA_NSA has issued a press release expressing concern over the country’s political situation, particularly the disagreements surrounding electoral arrangements and their potential impact on national stability. @SONSA_NSA welcomes ongoing dialogue between the Federal Government of Somalia and opposition groups and calls on all political stakeholders to prioritise peaceful dialogue, mutual understanding, and consensus in resolving electoral disputes. The organisation emphasises the importance of inclusive consultations, respect for the country’s constitutional and legal frameworks, and the protection of national unity and stability. @SONSA_NSA also calls for continued efforts to prevent political tensions from escalating and to create an enabling environment for a peaceful resolution. Furthermore, @SONSA_NSA is ready to support inclusive dialogue initiatives and calls on all stakeholders to engage constructively, put national interests first, and work together towards a peaceful and consensual electoral process. #ConsensusTransition #Agreement #SomaliCivilSociety #CSOs

#SomaliCivilSociety #GoleKaab

#Mogadishu, 14 October 2026: Members of Civil Society Observers from @SONSA_NSA, through the @GoleKaab Parliamentary Monitoring Initiative, today monitored the 24th sitting of the 8th Plenary Session of the House of the People of the 11th Federal Parliament of #Somalia. The sitting opened with a quorum of 140 MPs and was chaired by the Speaker of the House of the People @Golaha_shac_JFS Hon. Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur @Amohamednur, alongside the Second Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abdulahi Omar Abshir. The House voted on the third-reading report of the Sexual Offences and Rape Crimes Bill. A total of 132 MPs voted in favour, 2 voted against, and 5 abstained. The Speaker announced that the Bill had been passed by the House of the People and would be forwarded to the Upper House for further consideration. Representatives of Somali civil society women were also invited to attend the sitting. The Minister of Family and Human Rights Development @mfhrdso Hon. Khadija Al-Maqsuumi, @KhadijaMakhzumi thanked the MPs, parliamentary leadership, Somali civil society, and all stakeholders who contributed to the development and advancement of the long-awaited Bill. The House also considered the third reading of the Electronic Transactions Bill. Hon. Mowliid Abdi Mohamed Ahmed, Chairperson of the Information, Awareness and Cultural Committee, presented the committee’s report, followed by contributions from seven MPs. Through the @GoleKaab Parliamentary Monitoring Initiative, @SONSA_NSA continues to promote parliamentary transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in #Somalia’s legislative process. #SomaliCivilSociety #CSOs #Somalia

#Mogadishu, 12 October 2026: Members of Civil Society Observers from @SONSA_NSA, through the @GoleKaab Parliamentary Monitoring Initiative, today monitored the 23rd sitting of the 8th Plenary Session of the House of the People of the 11th Federal Parliament of #Somalia. The sitting commenced with a quorum of 139 MPs and was chaired by the Speaker of the House of the People, H.E. Abdukadir Mohamed Nur @Amohamednur, alongside the Second Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abdullahi Omar Abshirow. The agenda focused on the third reading of the Sexual Offences Bill, while the Electronic Transactions Bill was also distributed for its third reading. Hon. Lul Ibrahim Omar, Chairperson of the House Committee on Human Rights, presented the committee’s report on the Sexual Offences Bill, outlining the revisions made and explaining how the committee incorporated MPs’ recommendations and views from the second reading. She encouraged MPs to approve the bill promptly, emphasizing its importance to society, while remaining open to further corrections where necessary. During the sitting, 18 MPs participated in the debate on the third reading of the bill. A representative from the Office of the Attorney General also provided a brief explanation of the penalties applicable to rape offences. #GoleKaab #ParliamentaryMonitoring #Somalia #SomaliCivilSociety #CSOs

Members of the Somali Civil Society office of @SONSA_NSA attended a forum organised by the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies @HIPSINSTITUTE yesterday at #Mogadishu to present a study titled “The Formation of Hirshabelle State: Challenges and Opportunities.” The forum brought together political leaders, researchers, traditional elders, civil society representatives, women, youth and other stakeholders to discuss the challenges surrounding Hirshabelle State formation and explore opportunities for dialogue, reconciliation and sustainable solutions. @SONSA_NSA recognises the importance of inclusive dialogue and evidence-based policy discussions in strengthening governance, federalism and peacebuilding in #Somalia. #SONSA #SomaliCivilSociety #CSOs

#Mogadishu 11 October 2026 The Somali Civil Society coalition of @SONSA_NSA, convened a consultative meeting this evening 11 October 2026 to discuss the political dispute surrounding Somalia’s elections and its potential implications. The meeting brought together representatives of the Federal Government of Somalia, opposition groups including the Future Council of Somalia and Nabad iyo Nolol and various sectors of society, including the business community, universities, women, youth, community leaders, research institutions, traditional elders, and religious scholars. The meeting aimed to facilitate and strengthen dialogue among political leaders, address obstacles to political engagement, and explore solutions to the electoral dispute. Participants also discussed strengthening civil society’s role in monitoring political dialogue and contributing recommendations on the country’s future, as well as establishing a sustained mechanism for cooperation between civil society and leaders from both the government and the opposition. An open discussion provided an opportunity to ask participating political representatives questions, understand their perspectives, and identify obstacles to a lasting resolution. Both government and opposition representatives affirmed their readiness to engage in dialogue and pledged to expedite the establishment of the Transitional Technical Taskforce. The meeting produced several key recommendations to strengthen cooperation between civil society and political leaders: 1.Hold regular meetings among civil society, the government, and the opposition to advance a peaceful and lasting resolution to the country’s political dispute. 2.Encourage civil society to create opportunities for different sectors of society to engage directly with political leaders. 3.Ensure civil society’s participation in political dialogue to strengthen public confidence in the process. 4.Urge government and opposition leaders to refrain from any actions that could cause the political dispute to escalate into violence. The meeting concluded with closing remarks from the Chairperson of @SONSA_NSA, @Osman_Moallim who thanked all participants and political leaders for their attendance and reaffirmed @SONSA_NSA’s commitment to continuing these consultations.

#Mogadishu, 10 October 2026: Members of Civil Society Observers from @SONSA_NSA, through the @GoleKaab Parliamentary Monitoring Initiative, today monitored the 22nd sitting of the 8th Plenary Session of the House of the People of the 11th Federal Parliament of #Somalia. The quorum was opened by 141 Members of Parliament present and was chaired by the Speaker of the House of the People, H.E. Hon. Abdukadir Mohamed Nur @Amohamednur, alongside the Second Deputy Speaker, H.E. Hon. Abdullahi Omar Abshir. The agenda included the conclusion of the second-reading debate on the Bill amending the Central Bank of Somalia Law No. 130 of 22 April 2012, and the presentation of the second-reading report on the agreements between Somalia and Türkiye concerning international judicial cooperation. Seven MPs participated in the concluding debate on the Central Bank amendment bill, raising questions and engaging with the Budget Committee. Nine MPs also contributed to the debate on the report concerning the Somalia–Türkiye judicial cooperation agreements. During the sitting, several MPs raised points of order, while others addressed issues outside the scheduled agenda, including constitutional matters and deductions of fines from MPs’ allowances, prompting further debate. Both legislative items were referred to the third reading to incorporate the views and recommendations raised by MPs during the debates. In his closing remarks, the Speaker directed MPs to confine their contributions to the items on the agenda, warning that microphones would be switched off for members who spoke on unrelated matters. The sitting took place following three consecutive plenary meetings that were unable to proceed due to a lack of quorum, marking the House of the People’s return to plenary proceedings.

The Somali Civil Society led by @SONSA_NSA chairperson @Osman_Moallim today participated in a preparatory meeting for the 12th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition #EAPCE, which will be held in #Kigali, #Rwanda, from 9–11 March 2027. The theme of the conference is: “Turning Energy Resources into Prosperity.” The meeting aimed to bring Somali stakeholders together around a common vision and gather their recommendations, experiences and perspectives on the development of #Somalia’s petroleum sector, ensuring that #Somalia participates in the conference with a clear and coordinated position. Discussions focused on how civil society, universities, businesses, petroleum institutions and the Government of Somalia can jointly contribute to the conference. The event will provide Somalia with an opportunity to showcase its petroleum potential and create new opportunities for business partnerships, investment and cooperation. Nearly 1,500 delegates from the eight East African Community countries and petroleum companies are expected to attend the conference. #SomaliCivilSociety #CSOs

#Mogadishu 5 October 2026 The Executive Director of the @SONSA_NSA, Mr. Mohamed Aded Ali @Mohamed_Shirre, participated in a public forum on “Re-imagining Somalia’s Peacebuilding Process: Putting Youth at the Centre” organized by @YecoSomalia . The panel was discussed that around 75% of Somalia’s population being young, the forum explored how young people can move beyond consultation to have meaningful participation, influence and a stronger role in peacebuilding, decision-making and shaping Somalia’s future. Mr. Mohamed Aded Ali joined a panel discussion alongside Subeida Mukhtar @smukhtar_ former Secretary General of the Benadir Regional Administration, and Mohamed Dhagacade, Peacebuilding and Development Expert and former Area Coordinator of the Berghof Foundation in Galmudug. The Panel discussion was moderated by Abdifatah Abdullahi. The forum brought together civil society, youth, peacebuilding practitioners and other stakeholders through keynote speeches, panel discussions, an Arts 4 Peace session and networking with the 2026 Youth, Peace and Security trainees. #Youth4Peace #PeacefulSomalia #YouthPeaceSecurity #SONSA

The Somali civil society umbrella @SONSA_NSA has issued a press statement strongly condemning the killing of civilians, including six-year-old Ismail Ali Abukar, in Kaaraan District, Mogadishu. In the statement, SONSA calls for an independent, transparent and credible investigation into the incident and urges authorities to ensure the protection of civilian lives, dignity and fundamental rights. SONSA also calls for a review of the implementation of land-related measures to prevent further loss of life, forced displacement and human rights violations.