The Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission (ICRIC) and the Oversight Committee (OC) conducted a consultation titled “Consultation with Somali Law Students on Draft Constitutional Amendment to Chapter 13” on 30 December 2025 at Maida Hotel. The consultation was facilitated by the Somali Center for Rule of Law and Good Governance (SomLaw) and brought together Somali law students to engage in a structured dialogue on proposed constitutional amendments related to Chapter 13 on Fiscal Federalism within Somalia’s constitutional framework.
The consultation aimed to provide law students with an opportunity to review, discuss, and contribute informed input to the draft constitutional amendment. It focused on enhancing understanding of the constitutional review process, fiscal federalism provisions, and the importance of inclusive and participatory constitutional development.
During the consultation, the students were divided into three working groups, each tasked with reviewing specific aspects of the draft constitutional amendment to Chapter 13. Each group analysed its assigned section, identified key legal issues, and developed observations and recommendations based on constitutional principles and the Somali federal context.
Following the group discussions, each group presented its findings and perspectives to the plenary session. The presentations stimulated further discussion and enabled representatives of ICRIC and the Oversight Committee to respond to questions, clarify provisions, and consider the students’ feedback as part of the broader constitutional review process.
SomLaw facilitated the group work and plenary discussions, ensuring a structured, inclusive, and participatory dialogue between constitutional institutions and law students. The facilitation supported open exchange, critical legal analysis, and constructive engagement throughout the consultation.
The consultation reinforced the importance of engaging young legal scholars in constitutional reform processes and highlighted the value of participatory approaches in strengthening constitutionalism and the rule of law in Somalia.
SomLaw reaffirmed its commitment to supporting inclusive constitutional dialogue and legal capacity-building initiatives, in collaboration with constitutional institutions, as part of its broader mission to promote justice, rule of law, 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.
