Mogadishu (Sahan Post) \u2013 President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, on Sunday presided over the closing ceremony of the First National Justice Forum, where key national plans on judicial reform, decentralization of justice services, achievements, challenges, and the importance of upholding the rule of law were presented.<\/p>\n
President Mohamud emphasized that an independent and effective judiciary is one of the fundamental pillars of state-building, security, development, and public trust in governance. He noted that the Federal Government has taken significant steps to strengthen judicial federalism and build institutions vital to ensuring justice, reinforcing both federal and state-level judicial bodies.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur judicial progress is evident in the fact that Somali nationals accused of criminal offenses who fled the country have been successfully apprehended abroad with the support of Interpol, enabling their cases to proceed in the regional state where the alleged crimes occurred,\u201d the President stated.<\/p>\n
Highlighting the ongoing constitutional review, President Mohamud described it as a national responsibility critical to political stability, defining institutional powers, implementing federalism, and updating essential laws to align with modern governance and investment needs. He instructed the government to accelerate efforts to improve the quality and accessibility of judicial services.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Constitution forms the foundation of all national laws, safeguarding our language, culture, religion, and the rights of every citizen. Therefore, we must honor our commitment to complete the transition from the provisional constitution. I commend the 11th Parliament, which has been the most productive legislative body in our Third Republic,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The President also outlined key national achievements, including strengthened security in the capital, major infrastructure investments that have created employment opportunities for Somali youth, construction of stadiums and airports, doubling the size of the national armed forces since he assumed office, the hiring of 6,000 teachers with a target of reaching 10,000, and the expansion of the Somali National University.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Sahan Post<\/p>\n