Somalia's Upper House of Parliament has approved legislation establishing a national Revenue Authority and endorsed two new members of the Independent Constitutional Review Commission. The session, chaired by Upper House Speaker Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, focused on financial administration and constitutional institutions. This development is part of Somalia's efforts to strengthen domestic revenue collection and improve public finance management. The approval of the Revenue Authority bill and the appointment of the two constitutional commission members demonstrates the Senate's commitment to strengthening federal institutions and implementing its constitutional framework.
The Revenue Authority bill was presented to lawmakers by Senator Abdi Ahmed Dhuxulow Dhagdheer, chairman of the Upper House Finance Committee. He briefed senators on the committee's report and urged them to approve the legislation. The bill had previously been considered at its second reading. The chamber approved the bill with 27 senators voting in favor, with no opposition votes or abstentions. This significant step towards establishing a national Revenue Authority is expected to play a crucial role in managing, collecting, and increasing domestic revenue.
State Minister for Finance Raho Mahmoud Janaqow expressed gratitude to the senators for approving the legislation. He emphasized that the new authority would be instrumental in managing, collecting, and increasing domestic revenue. The establishment of the Revenue Authority is part of Somalia's efforts to strengthen domestic revenue collection and improve public finance management. This development is expected to have a positive impact on the country's financial administration.
The Upper House has recently engaged in discussions with Finance Ministry officials on the structure and responsibilities proposed under the legislation. These discussions demonstrate the Senate's commitment to ensuring that the Revenue Authority is established on a solid foundation. The approval of the Revenue Authority bill is a significant milestone in Somalia's efforts to strengthen its financial administration.
In addition to approving the Revenue Authority bill, the senators also considered the appointment of two members to the Independent Constitutional Review Commission. State Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs Ilyas Sheikh Omar presented information on the two nominees and asked the Upper House to approve them to fill vacant positions on the commission. The two nominees received the support of 27 senators, with no opposition votes or abstentions.
The latest session followed earlier parliamentary consideration of the Revenue Authority legislation, which had reached its second reading during the eighth parliamentary session. The Senate's published agenda shows that lawmakers have been examining the bill as part of a broader legislative programme. This demonstrates the Senate's commitment to a thorough and transparent legislative process.
The Upper House is constitutionally responsible for representing Somalia's federal member states and participates in legislation concerning the federal system and other national matters. The approval of the revenue legislation and the appointment of the two constitutional commission members comes as Somalia continues work on strengthening federal institutions and implementing its constitutional framework. This development is a significant step towards achieving these goals.
Key points
- The Somalia Senate has approved the Revenue Authority bill with 27 senators voting in favor.
- The Upper House has endorsed two new members of the Independent Constitutional Review Commission.
- The establishment of the Revenue Authority is part of Somalia's efforts to strengthen domestic revenue collection and improve public finance management.
