The Somali Center for Rule of Law and Good Governance (SomLaw) held a workshop titled “Legal Capacity Building for Somali Law Students” on 23 December 2025 at the Heritage Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia. The workshop focused on Chapter 13: Fiscal Federalism and was attended by law students from Somali National University (SNU).
The workshop aimed to strengthen students’ understanding of fiscal federalism within Somalia’s constitutional and governance framework. It examined the legal principles governing the allocation of financial powers and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Federal Member States, and their implications for public finance management, service delivery, and intergovernmental relations.
The main presentation was delivered by Prof. Abdulkadir Osman Yusuf, who provided an in-depth explanation of fiscal federalism, including revenue sharing, budget allocation, fiscal decentralization, and constitutional foundations of public finance in federal systems. His presentation linked legal theory with practical governance challenges in the Somali context and encouraged active discussion and critical engagement among the students.
Key sessions also addressed accountability mechanisms, transparency in public finance, and the role of legal professionals in promoting sound financial governance. The interactive format allowed students to ask questions, share perspectives, and deepen their understanding of complex federal financial arrangements.
At the conclusion of the workshop, students were awarded certificates of participation in recognition of their active engagement and successful attendance. The certificate ceremony marked the formal close of the event and highlighted the importance of continuous learning and professional development for future legal practitioners.
SomLaw reaffirmed its commitment to supporting legal education and capacity-building initiatives, particularly in collaboration with public institutions such as Somali National University, as part of its broader mission to strengthen the rule of law, justice, and good governance in Somalia.
Funding Acknowledgment
This workshop was funded by the European Union (EU) as part of its continued support to strengthening legal education, rule of law, and good governance initiatives in Somalia.
