The Role of Parliament in Ministerial Oversight. Legal Arguments Based on the Somali Constitution
In the governance of Somalia, the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches is critical for stability and effectiveness. The Federal Republic of Somalia’s Provisional Constitution provides a legal framework that defines each branch’s specific roles and limitations. This balance is essential for the government to function properly and avoid conflict between branches. A key area where this balance is often tested is in the oversight of ministers. While Parliament is granted oversight responsibilities, it must remain mindful not to infringe upon the executive’s administrative functions. These functions, such as the daily management of ministries, are constitutionally assigned to the Prime Minister. Any breach of this balance can lead to significant legal and political challenges, undermining the country’s governance system.
Oversight vs. Administration of Ministers
The Provisional Constitution of Somalia grants Parliament powers of oversight through Article 69. This article allows Parliament to monitor the executive branch, ensuring that ministers and other executive officials perform their duties according to the law and the national interest. In this context, Oversight is a crucial function of Parliament to hold the executive accountable and prevent abuse of power or neglect of duty. It is important to note that oversight is distinct from administration. Oversight involves monitoring and ensuring compliance but does not involve direct control or management of ministers. This clear distinction is a testament to the precision and clarity of the Somali Constitution.
On the other hand, administration refers to managing the daily operations of the ministries and government agencies. Article 100 of the Provisional Constitution assigns the responsibility for administration to the Prime Minister. This means that the Prime Minister, not Parliament, is tasked with coordinating, managing, and overseeing the performance of ministers and ministries. The Prime Minister’s role is not just a formality but a significant responsibility that includes ensuring that ministers adhere to their duties and, if necessary, disciplining or dismissing them by the law. This underscores the weight of the Prime Minister’s role in the Somali governance system.
If Parliament were to interfere in this administrative role, it would disturb the delicate balance of power between the legislative and executive branches. Such interference would not only exceed the constitutional limits of Parliament’s authority but could also destabilise the functioning of the executive branch.
Ministerial accountability is a key principle enshrined in the Somali Provisional Constitution. Article 90 establishes the legal framework for appointing and dismissing ministers. Under this provision, the President holds the power to appoint and dismiss ministers, but only on the advice of the Prime Minister. This ensures that changes in ministerial positions are not arbitrary but are part of a considered and collaborative process involving both the head of state and the head of government.
Including the President and the Prime Minister in the process reflects the balance of power envisioned by the Constitution. Parliament’s role is limited to oversight rather than involvement in appointing or dismissing ministers. Parliament can raise these issues with the Prime Minister if there are concerns about a minister’s performance. The Prime Minister is then responsible for taking any necessary action, including advising the President to dismiss the minister if required. This mechanism is important because it prevents politicising ministerial appointments and dismissals. If Parliament were allowed to initiate the removal of ministers directly, it would lead to a breakdown in the separation of powers. Ministers could be dismissed for political reasons or as part of power struggles between Parliament and the executive rather than for legitimate reasons related to their performance.
The case of Hon. Ahmed Macalim Fiqi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlights the tension between parliamentary oversight and executive administration. If legitimate, concerns about his performance should be addressed through constitutional channels. The Provisional Constitution clearly states that the Prime Minister oversees and manages ministers’ performance, not Parliament. Therefore, any concerns regarding Hon. Fiqi’s conduct or performance should be brought to the attention of the Prime Minister.
Moreover, the context of this situation is significant. Ethiopia’s recent actions, seen as infringing upon Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, provide a backdrop to the motion against Hon. Fiqi. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Fiqi has taken a strong stand in defending Somalia’s sovereignty against foreign aggression. His role has been pivotal in ensuring that Somalia’s territorial integrity is protected internationally.
The fake motion circulating on x by members of Parliament calling for Hon. Fiqi’s dismissal could, therefore, be seen as an attempt to weaken Somalia’s resistance to external interference. There is speculation that some MPs who signed the motion may have ties to external influences, particularly Ethiopia. If these speculations are true, the motion could be interpreted as aligning with Ethiopia’s interests, which would be detrimental to Somalia’s national sovereignty. In this context, it becomes important for Parliament to carefully consider whether their actions align with national interests or if they are inadvertently supporting foreign interference. The Somali people stand by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and support Hon. Fiqi’s efforts to defend the country. Any attempts to remove him under these circumstances may be perceived as undermining the fight to protect Somalia’s sovereignty.
The Somali Provisional Constitution provides a clear framework for maintaining accountability within the executive branch while preserving the separation of powers. The parliament’s role in overseeing ministers is vital to ensuring transparency and accountability in government. However, it is equally important that Parliament respects its constitutional limits and allows the Prime Minister to manage the administration of ministers.
The case of Hon. Fiqi illustrates the importance of adhering to constitutional procedures, particularly in the face of external threats to Somalia’s sovereignty. The Somali people support Hon. Fiqi’s efforts to defend the nation, and any attempts to remove him must be viewed critically, especially in light of potential foreign interference.