The development marks a notable turn in Somalia’s political and security landscape, with senate speaker Abdi Hashi announced the end of the 5th session Sunday, noting the senator will now proceed on recess until February 5, 2025.
He noted that the session was extended by one month at the request of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in October to allow the two chambers to debate and pass election laws. The two chambers broke tradition and held joint sittings as they debated the Elections Bills, the Independent National Elections Commission Bill and the Political Parties Bill.
The three bills have since been approved and assented to by the president. Political analysts, however, raised concerns on the quality of the bills, noting legislative procedures and standing orders arrogate responsibility and powers to each chamber to individually interrogate bills and subject them to a vote.
The issue is likely to carry broader political weight as Somalia navigates federal power-sharing, regional competition and the search for stronger public institutions.
