Ministry of Defence submits Country Defense Bill to Parliament

The Ministry of Defence of the Federal Government of Somalia has presented the Defence of the Nation bill to the House of Representatives, explaining that the law covers several key areas.

During the parliamentary discussion, lawmakers questioned State Minister for Defence for the Federal Republic of Somalia, Omar Ali Abdi on provisions within the proposed legislation.

Some members of parliament requested that they be allowed to ask the Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, directly about the issues raised. In response, Deputy Minister defended the bill and addressed the concerns raised by lawmakers.

Omar stated that the proposed law is intended to prevent the armed forces from being used for the purposes of any specific political agenda.

He argued that, if implemented as designed, the bill would help ensure the military remains professional and does not become involved in political matters.

He also discussed salaries, saying that there is no soldier in Somalia’s national forces who does not receive pay. He further emphasized the plan for building and organizing reserve forces.

“If confirmed that even even one soldier in the national forces who is not receiving a salary, I would be held responsible and would be called to account for it,” he said.

Lawmaker Mahdi Mohamed Guled Qadar criticized the way soldiers and officers are promoted, saying the issue needs to be addressed and corrected within the legislation prepared by the Ministry of Defence.

Mustaqbal