The Council of Ministers of the Federal Government of Somalia Approved Key Laws and Agreements, Commended Operations Against Al-Shabaab, and Called for Peace Arising from the Awdal Conflict.

The Council of Ministers of the Federal Government of Somalia, which held its weekly meeting today, approved draft laws, agreements, and regulatory frameworks that are vital for strengthening government institutions, enhancing cooperation, and advancing national development. These include:

1. The Draft Law on the Somali Civil Aviation Authority.
2. The National Policy on the Protection of Civilians during Military Operations and Armed Conflicts.
3. The Draft Law on Combating Human Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons.
4. The Regulation of the Foreign Service Law.
5. The 2005 Protocol to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (SUA Convention).
6. The 1992 Protocol amending the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage.
7. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of Somalia and Spain on Political Consultations.
8. A Resolution on the Implementation of a Competitive Procurement System.

The meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre, commended the Somali National Armed Forces for liberating new areas in recent days from Khawaarij groups and for their ongoing efforts to clear them from the entire country.

The Ministries of Security and Defense briefed the Council on the government’s continued operations against Khawaarij groups, noting that further offensives are being planned to eliminate their remaining presence in limited areas.

The Council of Ministers also praised the Somali people in the Southwest State and the Interim Capital of Baidoa for warmly welcoming the national armed forces. The Council further commended the military for the professionalism and caution demonstrated in reopening the road between Mogadishu and Baidoa.

Finally, the Federal Government of Somalia strongly calls on the parties involved in the conflict in the Awdal region to immediately and unconditionally cease hostilities and embrace peace. It encourages them to resolve their disputes through dialogue and mutual understanding. The Federal Government also calls on the Somaliland administration to take responsibility in addressing the situation and to play a leading role in de-escalating the conflict and stabilizing the region.

The Government appeals to traditional leaders, religious scholars, intellectuals, and all community elders in the area to take an active role in ending the conflict, strengthening brotherhood, and working toward a sustainable solution that addresses the root causes of recurring clashes.