Mogadishu, Somalia — Somalia's cabinet, in their regular weekly meeting, approved several crucial bills on Thursday, May 23, 2024. The bills include the National Higher Education Act, the Somali National Teachers' Policy, Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, and a Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Governments of Somalia and Kenya.
Additionally, an Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investment between Somalia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was also approved.
The Defense Cooperation Agreement with Kenya marks a significant step in the region's security and stability. This agreement aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries and enhance their cooperation in defense and security matters.
The deal is expected to facilitate joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and capacity building, which will ultimately contribute to the fight against terrorism and other security threats in the region.
The National Higher Education Act and the Somali National Teachers' Policy are designed to improve the quality and accessibility of education in Somalia. The National Higher Education Act will provide a framework for the development and regulation of higher education institutions, while the Somali National Teachers' Policy will focus on enhancing the professional development and welfare of teachers across the country.
The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations will ensure that environmental considerations are taken into account in all development projects in Somalia. This will help protect the country's natural resources and promote sustainable development practices.
The Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investment between Somalia and the UAE is aimed at boosting economic cooperation and attracting foreign investment to Somalia. This agreement will provide a stable and predictable environment for investors, which is essential for the country's economic growth and development.
These bills will now be presented to the Somali parliament for approval and, if passed, will be signed into law by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The approval of these bills by the cabinet represents a significant step towards strengthening Somalia's education, security, environment, and investment sectors, and is expected to contribute to the country's overall development and stability.