Author: Abdullahi M Hassan (Abdullahi Yabarow)

Somali Parliament: Assessing Accountability and Legal Implications of a Non-Attending MP The integrity and functionality of democratic institutions are fundamentally dependent on the accountability of their members. In Somalia, this principle is under scrutiny in the case of a Federal Member of Parliament (MP) who has not attended parliamentary sessions for an extended period while continuing to draw a salary. This MP has also publicly accused the government of corruption and financial mismanagement. This essay explores the legal basis, constitutional provisions, Somali Penal Code, international laws, and parliamentary rules relevant to this situation. It will examine whether such an MP…

Introduction Ethiopia under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed continues to wreak havoc into Somalia efforts towards stability. The sentiments by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on 4th July 2024 contradicts the earlier speeches where he claimed that Ethiopia needs sea access and they had tried everything including talking to Somalia government. This is contrary to the fact that Ethiopia violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. Though Ethiopia has the right to be granted access to sea by neighboring countries under UNCLOS provisions, the approach to those countries needs to be with respect and decorum and abiding with…

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between ‘Somaliland’ and Ethiopia has sparked significant interest and controversy. Although it appears to provide mutual economic and strategic benefits, its foundation is fraught with legal challenges due to the international status of ‘Somaliland’. This paper delves into the illegality of the Hargeisa-Addis Ababa deal under international law and examines the broader implications for foreign investment and maritime insurance. The Legal Status of Northwest Region ‘Somaliland’ To comprehend the legal implications of the MOU, it is crucial to understand Northwest Region ‘Somaliland’s’ status in international law: 1. Unrecognized Statehood • Declaration of Independence: ‘Somaliland’…

Introduction The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is among the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN) which has an obligation of ensuring international peace and security. The UNSC has several key functions including maintaining international peace and security, imposing sanctions, undertaking military action, conducting peacekeeping operations. UNSC is made up of five permanent members and ten non-permanent members. The permanent members in UNSC which include China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States have veto power that implies any substantive resolution cannot be adopted if any one of them casts a negative vote. On the other hand, non-permanent…