Somali premier pushes for reform to ‘Islamize’ the penal code

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, on Thursday called for a comprehensive review of the country’s existing penal code, proposing that it be “Islamized” to align more closely with Islamic principles and the cultural values of the Somali people.

Speaking at the ongoing National Judiciary Conference in Mogadishu, Barre stressed the need for the penal code to not only reflect the tenets of Islam but also fully comply with the Somali constitution. He acknowledged widespread criticism of the current code for its failure to adhere to Islamic values and its outdated nature in relation to contemporary global legal standards.

This statement marks the first time a Somali government official has publicly advocated for the Islamization of the penal code, a legal framework many trace back to its colonial origins under Italian and British rule before Somalia’s independence.

Barre’s remarks highlight a growing sentiment within the government to overhaul the legal system in a way that both reflects Somalia’s religious and cultural identity and remains relevant to modern legal frameworks.