Somalia's parliament is set to review a series of constitutional amendments proposed by the Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission. The amendments, which include lowering the age of maturity to 15, have sparked significant opposition from various political figures and organizations, including Human Rights Watch, which warns of potential risks to child protection. Former presidents and other politicians have criticized the current administration for manipulating the amendment process and lacking consensus. The opposition also concerns power-sharing arrangements, the status of Mogadishu, and the judicial system. The amended constitution is expected to be approved on Saturday.

Somalia's parliament is set to review a series of controversial constitutional amendments proposed by the Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission. The amendments, which include changes to the age of maturity and other significant constitutional elements, have sparked significant opposition from various political figures and organizations. Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about the potential weakening of child protection laws, while former presidents and other political leaders have criticized the process as lacking consensus and being manipulated by the current administration. The debate highlights deep divisions within Somalia's political landscape, with significant implications for the country's governance and human rights commitments.

East African journalists, including Omar Faruk Osman and Erick Oduor, have been elected to leadership positions in the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ). Osman, the secretary-general of the National Union of Somali Journalists, will lead FAJ, while Oduor of the Kenya Union of Journalists will serve on the executive committee. The elections were held virtually during the 5th Congress of FAJ. The new leadership aims to address challenges faced by African media, including working conditions, safety, gender equality, legal defense, and trade union solidarity. Osman, a dedicated advocate for press freedom and workers' welfare, has been recognized for his efforts with the Human Rights Defender prize by the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project.

The African Union has not made significant progress in resolving the dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia, according to a UN official. At a UN Security Council session, the Special Representative to Somalia, Catriona Laing, expressed disappointment that the AU summit avoided the issue, focusing instead on education, science, and innovation. The dispute centers on a memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which Somalia opposes. The MoU has led to tensions, with concerns that it could undermine Somalia's recent achievements, such as joining the East African Community and reaching the HIPC completion point. The UK called for dialogue, and the Head of Somalia Mission condemned Ethiopia's actions as a violation of sovereignty. Major international organizations have expressed support for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Somalia's recent entry into the East African Community (EAC) has sparked a debate over the use of Kiswahili versus Somali as the national language. Information and Culture Minister Daud Aweis faced criticism for addressing the press in Kiswahili, with political commentator Hodan Ali arguing that it is not understood at home. The discussion highlights the challenges of linguistic integration within the EAC.

Somalia is grappling with severe flooding caused by the El Niño season, resulting in 120 deaths and displacing over a million people. Prime Minister Hamza Barre and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud have been actively addressing the crisis, with Mohamud advocating for climate finance at CoP28 in Dubai. The floods have exacerbated the humanitarian situation, with 2.4 million people affected and significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture. The World Health Organisation and Somali Disaster Management Agency are working to mitigate health risks, particularly waterborne diseases.

Somalia's admission into the East African Community (EAC) and its domestic reforms have led to the lifting of a 31-year arms embargo by the United Nations. The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with celebrations in Mogadishu but continued restrictions on Al Shabaab. Somaliland remains unrecognized internationally despite its autonomous governance. Kenya has historically advocated for tougher sanctions on Al Shabaab.

Somalia's recent membership in the East African Community has sparked debate over the potential impact on the Somali language. The controversy intensified when Somali Minister of Information and Culture Daudi Aweis addressed the press in Swahili, leading to criticism from some quarters accusing him of breaking the law. The minister's actions have highlighted concerns about language policy within the expanding regional bloc.

Somalia's admission into the East African Community and domestic reforms have led to the UN lifting a 31-year arms embargo. The decision, aimed at empowering Somalia to combat Al Shabaab, has received mixed reactions. While some celebrate the move, others express concerns about potential negative outcomes, including regional security threats and the risk of weapons falling into the wrong hands. The UN Security Council requires Somalia to maintain strict weapons management and report purchases. The lifting of the embargo is seen as a significant step for Somalia, but it also poses challenges in ensuring effective control and preventing misuse of arms.

Somalia's Chief Justice Bashe Yusuf Ahmed has pledged the Supreme Court's support to protect journalists from impunity, particularly from violence by militant groups and rogue government officials. This commitment was made during the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. The National Union of Somali Journalists (Nusoj) and the African Union Transition Mission (Atmis) organized the event, emphasizing the need for press freedom. Nusoj Secretary-General Omar Faruk Osman criticized the prevailing impunity for crimes against journalists. The judiciary's support is seen as a significant step towards justice for journalists, who have faced killings, injuries, threats, and intimidation in Somalia.