Somalia’s Parliament is making major strides towards a fairer and more transparent justice system. With support from the EU funded SJGAP (Security & Justice, Governance & Accountability Project), committees are opening their work to the public, taking a closer look at budgets, and using new tools to track whether institutions are delivering. For the first time, citizens and experts are playing a real role in shaping laws and holding justice leaders to account.

For years, parliamentary oversight in Somalia’s security and justice sector was patchy and often symbolic. Committees had limited training, few tools, and no clear methods for reviewing government work. Public hearings rarely went beyond formalities, and citizens had little say in the laws that affected them. Budget reviews focused on big numbers but skipped the details, meaning waste or gaps often went unnoticed. This weakened Parliament’s ability to hold ministers and institutions accountable — and kept public trust low. It was clear Somalia needed a more structured, consistent, and inclusive way to oversee justice and security.

With SJGAP’s support, Somalia’s Parliament has transformed how it oversees the justice sector — moving from symbolic gestures to real, evidence-based action.

• Built Skills and Clarity: In December 2024, MPs and parliamentary staff took part in hands-on training to better understand their oversight role, especially in justice and security. This laid the groundwork for more focused and effective work.

• Went Deeper into Budgets: In April 2025, MPs analysed the budgets of eight justice institutions line by line. They uncovered problems like inflated salary spending and missing funds for infrastructure — and used these findings to question ministers and push for changes.

• Opened Law-Making to the Public: In May 2025, the Senate’s Justice Committee held a landmark public hearing on the Legal Aid Bill, with 51 participants from civil society, academia, and the justice sector. Together, they reviewed all 42 articles, making at least 10 key changes that improved the bill.

• Introduced Tools for Lasting Change: More than 20 new templates now guide committees in planning, tracking, and reviewing performance. These are part of regular parliamentary routines and are being tested in field visits to police stations, courts, and prisons.

• Set a New Standard for Accountability: The adoption of these practices — from budget scrutiny to public hearings and facility inspections — is helping Parliament become a consistent, credible force for oversight in Somalia.

In Somalia’s post-conflict context, trust in public institutions depends on transparency and citizen participation. By making public hearings, detailed budget reviews, and on-the-ground oversight a normal part of their work, Parliament is strengthening its role as a guardian of accountability.

These reforms aren’t just improving the justice sector — they’re changing the culture of governance. Other parliamentary committees, state assemblies, and even ministries can now adapt the same tools and methods, creating a shared standard for accountability across Somalia. In the long run, this helps build the rule of law, protect rights, and ensure government serves the people.